Catholic Diocese of Cairns

St Monica's Cathedral Peace Windows (Click a window for more information)

Peace Windows

The east windows of the cathedral celebrate the fifty years of peace in the Pacific region since the end of World War Two. The Cathedral itself was built as a war memorial commemorating the decisive Battle of the Coral Sea which was fought due east of Cairns between the 4th and 8th of May in 1942.

The Battle of the Coral Sea

The Battle of the Coral Sea was the first in naval history in which ships did not fire at each other. It was a battle of aircraft carriers and aircraft. As such it became the precursor to modern-day missile warfare. Troops stationed in Cairns and on the Tablelands recall seeing the glowing flashes reflected over the horizon at night during this fierce battle.

The Meanings

The windows incorporate layers of meaning: natural, historical and spiritual.

Audio Commentary - Click to open audio commentary on the Peace Windows