A symbol of faith and hope

St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Victoria Square is the physical symbol of our Catholic faith and plays a major role in the lives of many South Australians.

Since the 1850s people have come to the Cathedral to pray together in times of rejoicing, of sadness, of anxiety and of hope. The building’s past is inextricably linked to the history of the State and today it continues to be a vital and dynamic element of the city’s cultural life.

Strategically located in the heart of the CBD, adjacent to the Mary MacKillop plaza and the striking SA Water building, it is a critical feature of the recently upgraded Victoria Square and a popular tourist attraction.

For hundreds of thousands of South Australians the Cathedral has been – and continues to be – the place where they were baptised, married and mourned. On any given day, the Cathedral is a melting pot of cultures as our newest citizens pass through its doors to express their deep faith.

The Cathedral’s role as a venue for major civic events and music recitals has recently been enhanced by the installation of a unique 1927 Casavant Frères pipe organ from St Jean de la Croix, Montreal, Canada. There are also plans for significant restoration works, in addition to ongoing maintenance of this heritage listed building.

Our Heritage

In the mid-1800s the building of the Cathedral was made possible through the efforts of Bishop Francis Murphy, and a small group of committed Catholics.

The foundation stone was laid on St Patrick’s Day in 1856 and the Cathedral was blessed and opened just two years later – an astonishing achievement for the times.

Bishop Murphy is buried in the Cathedral’s sanctuary – a mark of his respect in the wider community as the only other person permitted to be buried within the city mile was Colonel William Light. The Cathedral is dedicated to Bishop Murphy’s own patron saint, the great sixteenth century Spanish Jesuit missionary St Francis Xavier who is the patron saint of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Built progressively over three major stages, the Cathedral is considered a major Australian work of the Gothic Revival style. In the course of 150 years, a number of eminent designers and builders have been involved with its construction and the building itself strongly reflects the economic and social conditions of South Australia’s community over this period.

Cathedral Mass Times

Weekday Masses: Monday to Friday 8am, 12.10pm and 5.45pm.

Weekend Masses: Saturday 8am, 11.30am and Vigil 6pm; Sunday 7am, 9am, 11am, 2.30pm (African) and 6pm.

The Jubilee Door of Mercy

Pope Francis invites us to walk through the Door of Mercy.

As we do so it is a step towards recognising God’s great love for us.

The crucifix on the sanctuary reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus, which offers the reconciliation of everyone with his Father.

The Door of Mercy is situated on the south eastern side of the Cathedral adjacent to the sacristy. If the door is closed you are invited to open it and walk through.