ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE REFLECTS ON HIS NEW ROLE, RESPONSIBILITY
As he commences his tenure as President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB sees one of his key tasks as ensuring the bishops “remain united in our service of God’s people”.
In an interview with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Media Blog, Archbishop Costelloe admitted he was “surprised and somewhat daunted” when he was elected President of the Conference in May.
“At the same time, I was and am conscious of the trust the bishops of Australia have placed in me. I will certainly do my best to repay that trust,” he said.
Archbishop Costelloe also reflected on a pair of firsts – becoming the first bishop of a West Australian diocese elected President and the first member of a religious order.
“I think it is a good thing that the presidency of the Conference has in recent years been held by bishops
from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane – and now Perth,” he said. “The Catholic Church is present and active right across Australia and each diocese has its own characteristics and history, and its own unique challenges and opportunities, all underpinned by our common faith.
“There really is unity in diversity among the bishops and the choice of the Archbishop of Perth as the new president demonstrates this.”
On his membership of a religious institute – the Salesians of Don Bosco – Archbishop Costelloe said the increasing number of bishops who are members of religious orders recognises “the role religious life plays in the Church as a living sign of the fundamental values which should underpin the lives of every disciple”, namely poverty, chastity and obedience.
About one quarter of Australia’s bishops are members of religious orders.
In his interview with Media Blog, Archbishop Costelloe reflects on the Plenary Council, for which he served as president, the place of the Church in a society increasingly rejecting faith and on the role of bishops in the 21st century.
Archbishop Costelloe, you’ve had a couple of months to get used to the idea of being the incoming president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. What are your overriding emotions as you take on the role?
I was surprised and somewhat daunted at my election as the new president of the Bishops Conference. It is an important role and not one that I had ever imagined I might be asked to take on.
At the same time, I was and am conscious of the trust the bishops of Australia have placed in me. I will certainly do my best to repay that trust and to work collaboratively with the bishops to ensure that we remain united in our service of God’s people here in Australia. During my time as a bishop the Bishops Conference has been faithfully led by Archbishop Wilson, Archbishop Hart and Archbishop Coleridge. I hope to build on their good work. You are the first bishop of a West Australian diocese to be elected president. What do you think that says about the Church in Australia at the moment?
I think it is a good thing that the Presidency of the Conference has in recent years been held by bishops from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane – and now Perth.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB cuts a ribbon to officially open a parish centre. PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN.
ARTISTIC TALENTS ON STAGE AND CANVAS, SPIRIT
OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2022
With almost 15,000 students now confirmed to participate, this year’s Spirit of the Arts Performing Arts Festival is set to be an inspirational showcase of artistic talent. Final preparations are underway for the annual festival which will run from this week 21 July to 12 September.
The Catholic Arts program begins on 21 July with a Praise and Worship celebration at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth.
Celebrated by the Archdiocese of Perth’s Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, Fr Vincent Glynn, students from participating schools come together for this important Liturgy of the Word. The Performing Arts Festival
(PAF) runs from Friday 22 July and concludes with the Spirit of the Arts Festival Concert on Monday, 12 September.
The Angelico Art Exhibition opens between Monday 8 August and Friday 26 August, with the awards night taking place on Tuesday 16 August.
Catholic Arts Chair Darryl Winsor said this year’s program had been made possible by the easing of many COVID restrictions, allowing Catholic Arts to confidently plan for a return to full participation in exhibitions, performances and audience attendance in 2022.
“After being limited to recorded performances in 2020 and with significant restrictions in place in
2021, the return to a full range of events is a welcome relief for all and will allow our very talented students to share their gifts through both the visual arts in the Angelico Exhibition and the Performing Arts,” he said. “Into our 33rd year, Catholic Arts is a vital and significant platform for students to perform in a professional, participation focused series of events that promote excellence and inclusivity.”
Entries for the Performing Arts Festival are now closed.
For more information, go to https:// www.spiritofthearts.com.au/ performing-arts-festival/
A woman observes artwork from the 2021 Angelico Arts Exhibition. PHOTO: AMANDA MURTHY.
HUNDREDS GATHER FOR SCHOENSTATT PILGRIMAGE
Three new Pilgrim Mother Co-ordinators from the parishes of Thornlie, Canning Vale and Baldvis have recently been commissioned for the Schoenstatt Movement.
The Pilgrim Mother Apostolate (PMA) consists of co-ordinators who manage responsibility for a Pilgrim Shrine to regularly visit a group of families for a few days every month.
Fellow Pilgrim Mother Co-ordinators in attendance were also given a blessing to continue their work. The commissioning took place as part of the annual Schoenstatt Pilgrimage Sunday 26 May and was attended by some 140 people.
The pilgrimage, in honour of the Virgin Mary, was led by Armadale Parish Priest Fr Mark Baumgarten with attendees reciting the rosary
A number of children also followed carrying flowers during the procession, which was followed by three reflection readings from Schoenstatt founder, Fr Joseph Kentenich on the theme “With Trust and Hope We Go With You, Mary”. The ceremony concluded with Benediction, afternoon tea and fellowship.
FIRM FRIENDSHIPS CELEBRATED ON INTERNATIONAL DAY
International Day of Friendship on Saturday 30 July will have special meaning for two volunteers who donate hours of their time to enrich the lives of seniors every week.
Hamersley resident Alan Williams and Kingsley local George Wakelin met when they started volunteering at the same aged care home every week over 10 years ago, and they’ve been firm friends ever since.
The pair now visit Mercy Place Edgewater every Thursday, where
they socialise with residents, accompany them on walks in the garden and help with various activities, including morning exercises.
“I became a volunteer in aged care when I lost my wife more than 13 years ago, and I really wanted to do something worthwhile and meaningful,” says 76-year-old Alan.
“I found that it’s a wonderful thing to do, in fact it’s been one of the best moves I’ve made in my life.
“Making a difference to someone’s
day is extremely rewarding, and I’ve been very lucky to have make a firm friend in George, in the process.”
As a result of getting to know each other, the pair, who are both born and bred Englishman, with George hailing from London and Alan from Liverpool, catch up and socialise outside of their voluntary work, which they say has undoubtedly enhanced their lives.
“It is wonderful to be able to spend time with the older generation who have so much learned wisdom and have had so many interesting life experiences,” says George.
“I really enjoy spending time at Mercy Place Edgewater, and of course I enjoy seeing Alan each week too, we have lots in common and making a good friend as a result of my volunteering has just been the icing on the cake.”
Mercy Place Edgewater Service Manager, Pammy Singh, says everyone at the not-for-profit home values George and Alan’s contribution to its residents and community, and were also delighted that they had developed a significant friendship over the years.
PHOTO: CHRIS QUINN.
International Day of Friendship on Saturday 30 July will have a special meaning for Hamersley resident Alan Williams and Kingsley local George Wakelin. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
ST NORBERT’S COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER FOR 888TH ANNIVERSARY
St Norbert Day is most special at Australia’s only Norbertine-run school - St Norbert College in Queens Park.
While the actual Feast day for the College patron is 6 June, the
secondary college has celebrated the 888th anniversary of Norbert's death with an incredible variety of activities.
St Norbert Day (3 June) began with a Mass, a morning tea for all
920 students, and the annual staff v student soccer and volleyball contests.
The afternoon was spent off campus - iceskating, rollerskating, touring Optus Stadium, the Art Gallery and Perth Museum, playing snooker, mini-golf and seeing the animals at Perth Zoo.
College Principal Simon Harvey said it was no irony that St Norbert Day occurs so close to the feast of the Ascension of our Lord.
“With Jesus as our model, we too have His spirit and that of St Norbert to help make us ‘witnesses in the world’,’’ he said.
“On the occasion of the 888th anniversary of Norbert’s death, it’s a timely reminder of the power of the Holy Spirit that is within us.’’
PALMS AUSTRALIA INVITES PERTH CATHOLICS TO CELEBRATE THE RETURN TO GLOBAL MISSION
Australian Catholics are once again able to be offered deep re-engagement with our sisters and brothers globally.
COVID-19 stopped us reaching
beyond but we can now rejoice in renewed opportunities abroad, thanks to Palms Australia, which has been offering mission opportunities since 1961.
Executive Director, Roger O’Halloran said that reaching beyond our own small world is so important to the mutual development of communities here and abroad.
“Australians who respond to the call to share their skills, to mentor those with little other opportunity, get to immerse themselves in resilient communities and learn from their wisdom,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Palms Australia prepares and supports Australians undertaking this adventurous mission to be conduits that encourage communities here and there to discern together, so that we can develop and grow sustainably together.
The St Norbert College community came together on 6 June for 888th anniversary of St Norbert’s death, with Mass celebrated by Fr Peter Stiglich O Praem. PHOTO: ST NORBET'S COLLEGE.
Presentation Sister Frances Hayes PBVM, far left with fellow teachers and students. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.