Statue to honor legendary leader

Published: 1 July 2012
By: Paul Dobbyn

Historical figure: Sculptor Kathy McLay works on a clay model that will be used to produce a bronze statue of Archbishop James Duhig. Jubilee parish priest Fr Peter Brannelly looks on
Picture: Rene Marcel

JUBILEE parish priest Fr Peter Brannelly found it surprising that no life-size sculptures of Brisbane’s legendary Archbishop James Duhig existed – so he decided to do something about it.

That “something” is now taking shape in the Paddington studio of Brisbane sculptor Kathy McLay and will ultimately become a life-like effigy of the archbishop, surveying the city landscape from a bench behind Red Hill’s iconic St Brigid’s Church.

The sculpture is hoped to be completed towards the end of this year to mark the centenary of Archbishop Duhig’s blessing of St Brigid’s foundation stone, shortly after his arrival in Brisbane in 1912 as coadjutor archbishop.

In fact it was what Fr Brannelly describes as an “oncoming tsunami of centenary celebrations connected with the archbishop” which inspired him to commission the sculpture.

“This will be a major piece of public art in honour of a man who not only played a significant role in the life of Brisbane’s Catholic Church for more than 55 years but also did so in the community at large,” Fr Brannelly said.

“The laying of the foundation stone was Archbishop Duhig’s first public ceremony in what became the habit of a lifetime.

“It was the beginning of a great building boom for Brisbane’s Catholic Church with churches, schools, hospitals – all initiated by James the builder.”

Given the archbishop’s renowned keen eye for top quality real estate, the location of the sculpture at Red Hill also seems appropriate.

“We know it was his habit to have a curate drive him out to different places around Brisbane to consider where the Church could secure property,” Fr Brannelly said.

“The archbishop liked looking out from various high vantage points as no doubt this Red Hill location would have been. It’s also appropriate the sculpture should be located outside St Brigid’s Church on a grassy knoll behind the high altar.

This in a sense is where Duhig started his journey as a 39-year-old bishop – the first in what became a long series of such openings.”

Fr Brannelly said the sculpture was more than just a tribute to a significant figure in the history of the Catholic Church in Brisbane.

“It’s not just about honouring Archbishop Duhig but also all generations of priests, religious and lay people who have made incredible sacrifices to form the Church of today,” he said.

The sculpture is expected to cost about $100,000.

However, Fr Brannelly said the response to appeals for donations had already been “impressive”.

“About $50,000 is already in,” he said.

“There are still people around from a generation formed by Duhig in various ways and their response has been generous.

“I’ve approached major religious orders around Brisbane for support with the project.

“The Marist Brothers have recently made a generous donation and orders such as the Christian Brothers and Mercy Sisters are also considering requests.”

Fr Brannelly sees donations to the project as a way for all Queenslanders to become involved in a tribute to an outstanding Church and public figure.

“This is a chance to help tell the story of a great churchman in the life of the Brisbane archdiocese and inspire future generations to come,” he said.

Those interested in donating to the sculpture project can contact Jubilee parish office on (07) 3369 5351.