The new Chapel of St Bede was consecrated and opened September 12 at St Bede’s College Christchurch.
The 2011 earthquake rendered the original chapel unusable and it was demolished.
For seven years a temporary chapel was used.
Bishop Paul Martin presided at the ceremony and preached.
Staff and students, members of the boards of Proprietors and Trustees, representatives of the building firm and friends of the College attended the ceremony.
David representing the Society was among the concelebrants in the sanctuary along with Bishop Basil Meeking.
Des Darby, former Rector, read the Gospel.
The seven year project cost $20 million, secured by the Society of Mary and over 400 donors.
St Bede’s College Rector, Justin Boyle said the chapel is the college’s most important building.
“The return of the chapel is a clear statement of who we are and what we stand for, a Catholic, Marist College, and we welcome its return,” said Rector Boyle.
“The chapel is the soul of our school, connecting with our newly-refurbished performing arts centre and in keeping with the historic buildings that dot our grounds.
“These two wonderful new buildings reflect our holistic approach to education, supporting boys to develop into well-rounded men,” he said.