THE largest newly completed traditional Catholic Church in the southern hemisphere was officially consecrated at Tynong on Saturday.
Superior General of the Society of Saint Pius X, Bishop Bernard Fellay, flew in from Switzerland to perform the solemn blessing.
Up to 1000 parishioners, including visitors from interstate and other parts of Gippsland as well as 13 visiting priests, gathered at Tynong for the event.
The solemn blessing was followed by a Pontifical High Mass.
Parishioners later gathered in the hall for lunch and a concert by the children of Saint Thomas Aquinas College, Tynong, to celebrate the college’s 10th anniversary.
A slideshow presentation to launch a special commemorative anniversary book was shown.
The ceremonies concluded with rosary and benediction in the church.