On the 31st May 1997, the cornerstone of the Sanctuary of the Word was blessed by Archbishop Barry James Hickey in front of the many people who were involved in the planning and construction of the first New Building of the Seminary. Also present were catechists, educators, benefactors as well as sharers in the announcement of the Gospel and the spread of the Word of God in the work of Evangelisation across Australia and beyond.
Archbishop Hickey giving his address
With Fr Vicente and Toto Piccolo are Mr and Mrs Ted Peters, the architects of the Sanctuary of the Word.
Present were the National catechists of Australia: Toto and Rita Piccolo, Father Vicente Martin and Stephen with the Rector: Fr Michael Moore SM and the Vice-Rector: Fr Eric Skruzny.
With Fr Michael are Mr and Mrs Michael Lalli, Builder and Structural Engineer.