The restoration of one of Australia's oldest cathedrals to its former glory will ensure that its historical, artistic and religious heritage, as well as its links to the Italian community, will stand the test of time.

This was the intention of the Cavalieri of San Silvestro, who donated $4,000 to support essential restoration work on the historic Catholic cathedral in Goulburn on the occasion of the association's tenth anniversary in Australia.

As is often the case, the generosity of the Cavalieri was set in motion as soon as an appeal was made by the local diocese, which is facing the large costs of restoring the former cathedral to its prior glory.

The restoration will enable the preservation of an asset with inestimable value for Australian history, the Italian community in New South Wales, and for all the Catholic faithful. The endeavour closely pertains to the aims of the Cavalieri themselves.

The association rushed to show their solidarity, the first in line being the Cavalieri's executive committee, which includes Giulio Vidoni, general delegate for Australia, Ron Pirola, secretary, Felice Montrone, master of ceremonies, and the Reverend John Cooper, the chaplain of the religious association, which has its headquarters in Rome.

After receiving the donation, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Monsignor Christopher Prowse, sent a message to the San Silvestro delegation expressing his deepest gratitude for what he called an “exceptional gesture of generosity.”

The head of the diocese also expressed great appreciation for the work done by the Cavalieri’s Association here in Australia, and made it known that once the work is complete, and the cathedral is restored to its former beauty, he will ask the Vatican to grant it the coveted title of Australia's sixth minor cathedral.

After all, Goulburn was an operating cathedral for many years.

It only lost its title and functions when it was incorporated into the Archdiocese of Canberra, the Australian capital retaining its bishopric at the expense of the NSW township some 200 km from Sydney.

The relationship between this church and the Italian community has its roots in the construction of the building itself.

The former Goulburn Cathedral, which bears the names of Saints Peter and Paul, was built between 1870 and 1890 at the behest of the then Bishop Lanigan.

The work was entrusted to a very famous Italian architect and sculptor, Andrea Stombuco, whose buildings are included in the list of Australia's historic assets.

The second part of the project was completed by another Italian architect, Charles Spadaccini, a sign of how close the diocese was to the Italian community and culture of the time.

What makes the former Goulburn Cathedral extremely special, apart from the architectural design, are the building materials that were used.

One in particular: a rare green stone found in the Goulburn area.

If all goes according to plan, a partial opening of the former cathedral could take place before Christmas, with festivities being held inside.