| During February, 1913, a number of distinguished prelates of the Roman Catholic Church were spending a holiday at Kosciusko [Hotel]. The Very Rev. J. J. Norris, P.P., V.F. (now Dean Norris), of Cooma, conceived the idea of arranging for a solemnisation of Mass on the summit of Mt. Kosciusko, the highest point in Australia, and 7,328 feet above sea level. The visiting clerics gave their approval, and all necessary arrangements and details of organisation were made and supervised by Very Rev. Father Norris.
The date fixed for the function was Sunday, 23rd February, 1913. A marquee was erected on the summit of the mount, and in it a temporary altar, which was beautifully decorated, was placed. The proposed ceremony aroused intense interest. People made for the Mount as to a pilgrimage. On the night of the 22nd February, parties camped at various points along the road between Hotel Kosciusko and the summit.
Fifteen motor-cars, from two service companies, had been secured, and many private motors were making the trip. Though a start was made from Cooma at 4 a.m., the car containing Very Rev. J. J. Norris was the first to reach the appointed spot at 6.15 a.m. Later on a car containing His Grace Archbishop Kelly, Dr. Dwyer, Bishop of Maitland, Very Rev. Father McDermott, President of the Manly College, and Very Rev. Father O'Reilly, President of St. Stanislaus College, Bathurst, arrived to find over 200 people, including visitors from every part of Manaro, from Sydney, Queensland, and even England, gathered to witness the ceremony.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated by Dr. Dwyer, Bishop of Maitland, and the first native-born Australian to be raised to the Episcopate. After Mass the Archbishop delivered a memorable sermon. The Bishop of Maitland also addressed the gathering, as did the Very Rev. Father Norris.
From Monaro Pioneers
Zespół redakcyjny "Kosciuszko Heritage" przygotowuje obecnie do druku pamiątkową publikację z okazji stuletniej rocznicy odprawienia pierwszej Mszy św. na Górze Kościuszki. Znajdą się w niej materiały z czasów minionych, jak i współczesnych. Osoby, które pojawią się w Bowling Club (Jindabyne, Banjo Paterson Park) w niedzielę 24 lutego o 10 rano będą mogły wejść w posiadanie tej publikacji... przed seansem filmowym "retransmisja Centenary Mass on Mt Kosciuszko". Zapraszamy.
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