Postscript for April 29

It has been a week of remembrance and looking back to the past.  The deconstruction of the Cathedral tower began, with the expected reaction from those opposed to the work.  However, far more importantly, the Cathedral community again hosted the ANZAC Day Citizens’ Service and had a role in the Dawn Parade.  At a time when those who fought with the original ANZACs have gone, and those who fought in the later world war are fast disappearing, the crowds at these events grow, and grow significantly. “We will remember them” and “Lest we forget” are the emotional lines recalled this week.  On ANZAC Day we remember those thousands of people who fought, who were injured, and who died so that we may live in the society we do today.  These people have largely gone now, but in no way are they forgotten and if current trends are anything to go by, the younger generations will ensure that they never are.  ANZAC Day, although a time for remembering, is definitely looking to the future.
Whereas the loss of bricks and mortar can never be compared to the loss of human life, will it be the same with a Cathedral?  Will we be able to remember the old Cathedral, just because it is no longer there?  Of course we will.  Anyone who suggests that just because the building is gone from our presence, means that it is also gone forever from our memory, our hearts, our psyche, is ignorant.  A glorious new Cathedral will rise again in Cathedral Square.  It will not be the old one, but it will be beautiful and it will allow us to remember the old.  Time to move on … to embrace the new.  But that doesn’t mean we have to forget all that is passed.
Chris Oldham