The piece, Into The Light, was finally lifted into place on Monday and the scaffolding removed yesterday, revealing the artwork in all its glory.

Dean of Wangaratta Cathedral Father Michael O’Brien said his parishoners would be pleased to finally see the work in place.

“I think it’s terrific, it just radiates,” he said.

“It’s great to finally see it in one piece.

“I think it radiates a sense of hope and joy, and the colour gives it a sense of life.”

Artist Leonie Bessant, who co-ordinated the making of one of the world’s largest tapestries, Arthur Boyd’s The Great Hall Tapestry now in Parliament House, Canberra, was relieved to see the work in place after 12 months of work.

“I think tapestry is one of the greatest mural art forms in Western culture,” she said.

“The colours really work — they are not too bright without being dull.

“So it really fits and looks as though it has always been here.

“I wanted people to respond to it physically, spiritually and emotionally.”

The tapestry, which Father O’Brien said was the largest ecclesiastical work of its kind in Australia, measures 7.4m high by 3.7m.

It has been installed as part of the cathedral’s centenary celebrations since its consecration on March 13, 1902.