HAMILTON People seeing the refurbished Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the first time will experience a sense of awe, beauty and the presence of God. Thats what parish priest Fr Frank Eggleton said will be the likely reaction when the cathedral is rededicated by Bishop Denis Browne on November 7.

Among those expected to attend are several New Zealand bishops and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo as well as members of Parliament and other dignitaries.

The $4 million refurbishments include an enlarged sanctuary, bigger foyer, new baptismal font at the entry to the church, extended Our Lady chapel and new organ.

The bishops chair (cathedra) has been resituated behind the altar and beneath the crucifix. The building will be more open to the Waikato River and the city.

Bishop Browne said there was a sense of excitement leading up to the rededication, which will see a parish church turned into a true cathedral.

The bishop gave particular praise to artist Michael Pervan, who has created a number of items in the new cathedral, as he did for the restoration of St Patricks Cathedral in Auckland.

The rededication will start at 7pm with Bishop Browne knocking on the front door of his cathedral and formally accepting the facility from builders.

A celebration concert at the cathedral on November 14 will feature Dame Malvina Major and Fr Chris Skinner, SM.