A pilgrimage to the grave of Rev. George Galen, located inside St Patrick’s Church in Wangaratta, offers a profound spiritual journey into the heritage of north-east Victoria.
As a pioneer priest who devoted his life to serving the region, Rev. Galen’s legacy lives on in the hearts of the local community. Visiting his final resting place provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the early foundations of faith that continue to shape the Church in this part of our Diocese today.
Rev. George Devitt Galen was the first priest to serve in Wangaratta. Although faced with significant challenges this young Irish priest committed himself wholeheartedly to his mission in remote and rugged settlements of 19th-century Victoria.
Fr Galen died from tuberculosis in 1869 at the age of 32, just three years into his appointment at Wangaratta; but his legacy is still alive today. His body is interned inside St Patrick’s Church, a church he passionately rallied to build, but never saw open, dying before it was completed.
Born in County Donegal, Ireland, arrived in Melbourne in search of his brother. However, Bishop James Goold (Archdiocese of Melbourne) persuaded Rev. Galen to stay and serve in Victoria. Rev. Galen was ordained in 1863 and just weeks later sent to Wangaratta and became the first priest to serve in the area.
Rev. Galen passionately rallied to raise funds to build St Patrick’s Church and enlisted celebrated architect William Wardell, to design a neo-Gothic beauty suited to the Australian landscape.
Tragically, Rev. Galen never saw the Church completed and succumbed to tuberculosis in 1869, at the age of 32. To honour the legacy of their first priest, the Wangaratta community interred his body beneath the central aisle of the Church he dreamed of. If you walk down the central aisle of St Patrick’s you can feel the floorboards squeak – indicating the place where Rev. Galen rests.
Interestingly, there are two other priests buried inside St Patrick’s Church. One of them, Rev. Francis McCarthy, a fellow priest and friend of Rev. Galen passed away at the age of 28 after being cared for by Rev. Galen who was already very ill himself. The third priest interned in the Church is Rev. Maurice Byrne, whose long service to the parish left a lasting impact.
Each of these priests contributed in unique ways to the faith life of Wangaratta, and their graves within the church serve as a sacred place of remembrance. A plaque near the Lady Altar, funded by non-Catholic citizens of the town, honours Fr. Galen’s remarkable efforts, while additional memorials commemorate Fr McCarthy and Fr Byrne.
St Patrick’s church was completed shortly after Fr Galen’s death, under the guidance of Fr Thomas Egan; it remains a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. Its triple lancet windows, soaring roof structure, and exquisite High Altar—crafted from Tasmanian freestone and Caen limestone—reflect both the skill of its designer and the dedication of its builders. The church’s heritage status, granted in the 1960s, ensures its preservation for generations to come.
For parish contacts and Mass times at St Patrick's, Wangaratta click here.
Location: Inside St Patrick's Church, 1A Ford St, Wangaratta VIC 3677
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UeXaySGPBRhriYud7
Return to the Jubilee Year 2025 edition of Sandpiper e-News.
