Bishop Joe Caddy and Father Dariusz Osinski officiate the opening of the St Mary Queen of Peace Chapel in Lakeland on 13 July. Photo: Facebook (David Kempton MP).
The culmination of a decade-long dream to have a place for the Lakeland community to have a private place to worship and commemorate special life events has been celebrated with the opening of the St Mary Queen of Peace Chapel on 13 July.
The stunning chapel, located on Mount McLean, welcomed hundreds of residents through its doors last Sunday and Frances Inderbitzin, who was one of the relentless champions of the project, said she was thrilled to see it completed.
“We finally found the little spot up on the hill, and it’s been a great outcome for the community of Lakeland,” she said.
“I think it’s a very important location, because it gives you a sense of peace when you come up there, away from all the hustle and bustle – I think all the attendees felt overwhelmed by the peace and quiet of that area.
“It was a very special day.”
Bishop Joe Caddy and Father Dariusz Osinski from the Catholic Diocese of Cairns were on hand to bless the chapel, with the latter telling Cape York Weekly Lakeland residents had done a tremendous job developing and delivering the project.
“It was also really good for us, as priests,” he said.
“We are delighted with seeing the faith of the community, and the commitment to their faith.”
Member for Cook David Kempton attended the opening and said it had been an inspiration to witness the 10-year journey end.
“About a decade ago, I was looking at vacant blocks of land in Lakeland with Frances Inderbitzin, as she had a dream of building a church for the local community,” he said.
“Now, 10 years on, it was an honour to be part of the hundreds of people who gathered together on Mount McLean last Sunday for the blessing of the St Mary Queen of Peace Chapel.
“This beautiful chapel is interdenominational and multicultural, and is a testimonial to the vision and generosity of this amazing family; the mix of traditional worship, Tongan culture and family spirit was an experience to behold.”
