St Peter’s College new cross blessed

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A majestic 11.5 metre steel frame inverted cross now stands at the previously non-descript front entrance of St Peter’s College in Auckland.

The 7.5 tonne cross was blessed on April 10 by Msgr Paul Farmer. Around 80 people, who were involved in the construction of the cross, attended the opening ceremony.

Principal James Bentley said the Cross of St Peter is a statement about who they are as a school.

“The Cross of St Peter is a statement about St Peter’s, who we are, and what we stand for. The inverted cross symbolises Peter, who tradition tells us was crucified upside down. This was Peter’s wish, viewing himself as unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ,” he said.

Mr Bentley said the project was one the college has explored for many years.

“The vision for the cross came from former Headmaster Kieran Fouhy and architect Gary Lawson from Stevens Lawson.  The complexities of the project meant it took several years for a design we were happy with,” he said.

Mr Bentley said the project would not have taken off without the dedication of the Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) and fair committees who provided funding for the project.

He also thanked the Board of Trustees, especially Craig Nicholson, “for their vision and devotion to the initiative”.

Those who attended the opening said the cross made for a stunning view.

SPC Development Office administrator Tania Fernandez said everyone had a photo in front of it.

“It was a very pleasant evening and everyone who attended [was] excited about the cross being part of the school — the lights looked fantastic when it was turned on,” she said.

Mr Bentley said, “the boys and the community love the cross. We believe it has made a statement of our beliefs and any visitor to St Peter’s will be under no illusion as to what we stand for.”

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Rowena Orejana

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