Next year marks the 30-year anniversary of the devastating fire that ruined the heritage-listed St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta and Parish Priest at the time, Monsignor John Boyle has released his first book about the historical event that captivated the public, politicians and the Australian media.
On February 19, 1996, an arsonist lit a fire that ripped through St Patrick’s Cathedral which took 40 firefighters from six brigades a whole day and evening to pour 13,500 litres of water onto the flames every minute.
As Boyle states in his book, “it was like fighting the devil with water pistols”.
The devastation was felt nationwide with Prime Minister Paul Keating visiting the site several times, along with NSW Premier Bob Carr, Governor General Sir William Deane, the heads of the Anglican and other churches and even the Rebel bikie gang coming to assist in the aftermath.
The arsonist Jason Humphries watched the cathedral burn. He was captured, arrested and sentenced. Monsignor Boyle later went to jail to forgive him which received praise and backlash from the community.
The extraordinary tale of loss, grief, resilience, rebirth, rebuilding and community spirit is expertly and entertainingly told in Monsignor’s own words. Tested by Fire was launched at a special event last month.
Speaker on the evening, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said: “These events don’t just happen and our firefighters go to them and walk away without thinking about them anymore. They have a personal, direct impact on our people as well. There’s that empathy between the firefighters and the people who are experiencing the loss. I think Monsignor Boyle has done such a wonderful job capturing all the elements of the story.”
The book was commissioned by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, who asked Monsignor Boyle to document not just the fire, but also the faith, service, and dedicated community that supported the rebuilding of the Cathedral.
“Monsignor Boyle is one of the most qualified living witnesses to write an account of the destruction of the old St Patrick’s, which was a shocking and emotionally powerful event. His book also chronicles how the Diocese responded to the challenge of rebuilding the Cathedral after the fire,” said Bishop Vincent.
“Readers will be treated to a fascinating account of how Divine Providence accompanied the efforts not only to construct a stunning new Cathedral but to create a seamlessly cohesive architectural marvel.”
Tested by Fire explores Monsignor Boyle’s pivotal role in the Cathedral’s rebuilding, working closely with then-Bishop Kevin Manning, and world renowned Roman-born architect Romaldo Giurgola – who was also the principal architect for Australia’s New Parliament House.
“It looks a bit strange at first – the seats face each other,” Monsignor Boyle explained in reference to the new cathedral rebuilt and dedicated on November 29, 2003.
“The idea is to gather around the altar. In Catholic worship, the altar is a central piece of furniture, and the design reflects community and shared worship.”
Tested by Fire is available for purchase at the St Patrick’s Cathedral bookshop or at St Paul’s Publications: tinyurl.com/Tested-By-Fire
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.