Published March 2025
The Apostolic Nuncio, archbishops, and a famous resident sulphur-crested cockatoo will flock to Our Lady of Victories in Bowen Hills in April to celebrate its centenary.
The Catholic WWI memorial church, and spiritual home to English and Polish-speaking community, celebrates its centenary on Saturday April 26, exactly 100 years to the day it was first opened.
Parish Priest Father Jerzy Prucnal welcomes not only Catholics, but the wider community.
“We are going to welcome everyone who wants to come. This is a very special place, a very special church, and its story is so amazing,” Father Prucnal said.
“We are going to really celebrate 100 years of service to the people of Queensland including so many Polish people who have made a spiritual home here.”
The Apostolic Nuncio – the Pope’s diplomatic representative in Australia; Archbishop Charles Balvo, and Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge will be in attendance at a Centenary Mass, along with other key church, civic and military representatives.
An 11:00am Mass time was chosen to signify peace, referencing Remembrance Day and Polish National Independence Day, with the church also called the ‘White Temple of Peace’.
The heritage-listed church is an iconic feature of the Brisbane CBD skyline, one of the earliest Australian examples of Spanish Mission style architecture.
Dedicated to the glory of God and all soldiers and sailors who enlisted in Queensland and died during WWI, the church holds a unique, hand-painted honour roll.
Monsignor Edward Sarsfield Barry, who built the church, was one of the longest-serving chaplains on the Western Front (1916-18).
He later supported fellow returned soldiers and was a member of the Anzac Day Commemorative Committee that originally guided Anzac Day traditions.
Weekend celebrations, part of the Australian Heritage Festival, also include a ‘Keep the Blue Cross Shining’ fundraising event on Anzac Day evening.
This features Warwick Adeney, former QSO concertmaster, a guided historical tour, last post ceremony, drink/canapés, centenary exhibition/publication, and moving song and imagery narrating the story.
On Saturday April 26 after the Mass, speeches and a cake-cutting ceremony plus Polish dancing, music, a centenary exhibition, interactive trails and a military jeep, and other displays, will follow.
‘Koki’, the famous resident sulphur-crested cockatoo that met future Pope John Paul II when he visited the parish in 1973, will also put in a special appearance.
Father Prucnal said: “We invite everyone to come and join in our special mission for peace, which starts with peace in our hearts.”
“We also welcome any much needed donations to help us preserve and protect this important place, for the next one hundred years.
“So, we are looking for 100 donors to give $1,000 each, to support our capital works campaign. Donors may be recognised on a special Centenary Supporters Board during 2025.”
RSVPs are essential to attend all events, with Centenary Day event being free.
Visit bowenhillsparish.org.au/100years for more.
