Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Wellington (Agenzia Fides) - In contrast to the Anglican church in Christchurch, destroyed by the severe earthquake on February 21, 2011 in the country (see Fides 02/23/2011), "the Catholic Cathedral was not totally demolished, but only some parts like the enormous dome. No final decision has yet been taken and its future remains uncertain, given the large number estimated that should be used for the reconstruction. "This is what Father Paul Shannahan, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in New Zealand tells Fides. The Anglican church will be temporarily rebuilt with cardboard. The Victorian Gothic-style cathedral, which dominated the center of the square of the city, was demolished after the serious damage caused by the earthquake. The new structure, designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, known for the building of a church built of cardboard after the 1995 earthquake in Kobe, Japan, will be situated on the site of another historic church which was destroyed. This temporary building, besides being a symbol of hope for the future of the city, will be made with cardboard tubes, wooden beams, structural steel and cement pad, and is expected to last more than 20 years. It should be ready for next Christmas. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/4/2012)
