AUSTRALIA : AMAZING LIGHT SHOW ON CATHEDRAL

Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
11 Dec 2012


The hugely popular Lights of Christmas will once again transform St Mary's Cathedral into a spectacular show of light and sound delighting audiences nightly with the true meaning of Christmas.
Although only in its third year the remarkable light projections on to the facade of the Cathedral has attracted thousands to Cathedral Square and hundreds of thousands who have watched the beautiful creative designs on the web.
Co-hosted by the Sydney Archdiocese of Sydney and Australian Catholic University this year's projections with the theme "Unity" will be launched on Thursday night, 13th December at 8.30pm. The Lights of Christmas will run every night right through to and including 25th December.

Projected over the 75 metre high and 33 metre wide facade of the majestic sandstone Cathedral, the stunning illuminations will tell a story of unity, where all Australia's cultures and backgrounds come together and wish the world peace and harmony.
Audiences will be taken on a journey from dusk falling over the Australian desert and descending to the evening star then to a beautiful Christmas tree moving through the universe.
A Christmas wreath will also appear with flora from around the world, including the colourful lotus of many Asian cultures, the shamrocks of Ireland, the Tudor Rose of England and the wattle of Australia.
The projections and immersive soundscape will also feature wonderful images of famous paintings including a feature from the Sistine Chapel which is celebrating its 500th anniversary as well as beautiful Renaissance images of Madonna and Child.
Prior to the official opening of the event on Thursday night by Auxiliary Bishop, the Most Rev Julian Porteous, singer and educator Anita Finneran will perform a number of Christmas songs and carols.
On other nights prior to the lights display starting there will be choirs performing on the steps of the Cathedral including Artes Christi and the St Mary's Cathedral Choir.
His Eminence Cardinal George Pell who is overseas until Monday 17th December will first see the lights that night when he accompanies the Vice-Chancellor of ACU, Prof Greg Craven to the display.

Creative Director Anthony Bastic says although this is only the third year of the Lights of Christmas it has already become a tradition for Sydney.
"Thousands of Sydneysiders, families, students and visitors have come to the city to see the projections over the past two years," he said.
"I am sure this year there will be even more. The Cathedral is just the perfect venue and the projections tell the true meaning of this time of year."
Like last year the first night will be streamed live so people around the globe will experience the dazzling display.
Go to www.xt3.com/lights2012 on Thursday 13th December at 7.30pm for the opening event and the Lights of Christmas.
 SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

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