ST JOHN BOSCO RELICS TO TOUR PERTH
With special connection to Perth, St John Bosco's relics embark on national tour to celebrate Salesian centenary.
In a momentous event, the Salesians of Don Bosco are commemorating a century of service and ministry in Australia.
Dating back to March 30, 1923, when a group of dedicated Salesian missionaries set foot in Fremantle, Western Australia, the centenary celebrations are now in full swing, paying homage to a legacy that has significantly impacted the lives of countless young Australians.
At the heart of these celebrations is a nationwide tour of the relics of St John Bosco, the 19th-century priest renowned for his commitment to the education and empowerment of underprivileged youth.
Encased within an intricately designed glass casket, the relic statue houses a wax replica of the saint's
body, along with a treasured relic.
Kicking off its journey from the Salesian Province Centre in Victoria on July 3, the relic statue's tour will span several cities across Australia, including notable stops in Perth.
Among the revered sites to host the statue are St Mary's Cathedral Perth, Kelmscott Parish Good Shepherd Church, Fremantle Parish St Patrick’s Basilica, Lockridge Parish Good Shepherd Church, and Banksia Grove Parish John Paul II Church. These locations are set to become centres of reverence, prayer, and reflection for the faithful.
“With a mission closely aligned to St John Bosco's teachings, the Salesians have tirelessly dedicated themselves to improving the lives of young individuals, particularly those facing disadvantages, said Australia and Pacific Salesian Provincial, Fr Will Matthews SDB.
“The national tour not only highlights
St John Bosco's profound impact but also serves as a platform to showcase the Salesian family's positive contributions spanning a century,” Fr Will said.
“As the relic statue embarks on its journey, the Salesians extend an invitation to individuals from all walks of life to engage in spiritual renewal, contemplation, and a celebration of the Salesian heritage.
“This tour underscores the importance of St John Bosco's teachings, which continue to inspire not only individuals but also the wider Catholic community and beyond,” he concluded.
ACBC President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB will be welcoming the relics to a total of six parishes.
Encased within an intricately designed glass casket, the relic statue houses a wax replica of the saint's body, along with a treasured relic—a bone fragment from St John Bosco's arm, symbolising his unwavering dedication to guiding and supporting the young. PHOTO: SALESIANS PACIFIC PROVINCE.
FORGIVENESS AND UNITY IN MARRIAGE REFLECTS GOD’S ENDURING LOVE FOR US
By Michelle Tan
From across the Archdiocese of Perth, more than 180 married couples and their multigenerational families gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday 10 August for the annual Marriage Day Mass. Celebrating the annual occasion was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton who was joined by concelebrants Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, and Balcatta Parish Priest Father Emil Ciecierega SDS. Speaking about the sacrament of marriage, Bishop Sproxton shared that “Christian marriage is one of those wonderful things that we are able to offer to the world, as an example of how God’s love can bring about unity.”
Reflecting on the Gospel’s imagery of branches being connected to the vine, Jesus’ love for the Father connects His followers intimately with God.
“As disciples of Christ, we receive “strength, graces and gifts” and through the vocation of marriage, couples become “witnesses of the love of God at work between us,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“God’s love is comprehensive” and brings “about the possibility of unity, despite all those things in our lives and even in our society, that are attempting to pull people apart,” he continued.
“We're all imperfect people and the love that we experience in our families, is as good as it can be, but we need to remain connected to Christ and maintain that bond with Christ, who is the source of love and who is the source of us growing in love,” he said.
The central message from Bishop Sproxton’s homily was on forgiveness.
The sign of our Christian faith, “the cross, is one of the greatest signs that we can be healed. It's a continuing sign and reassurance that we can take the risk to ask
forgiveness and to offer forgiveness in marriages, because this is really the very core of love.”
He encouraged married couples, telling them that “On the day when you said I promise to love you all the days of my life, to love you in the good times and in the times of challenge and struggle, I will express that love when I am able to ask forgiveness, and when I am able to forgive. It takes time to heal, of course, but commit to using time, in order to enable that grace of God, to bring about a healing within us.”
“Be aware and alert to the negative power of bitterness, and resentment, which can take hold of us. That bitterness is like a cancer, and it fuels itself. And it will eventually destroy the person who holds this bitterness in their heart. Let's always be reminded of those words of St Paul, do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
Couples pose for photos with their Commemorative Certificates after the Mass. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
CEWA GROUP PROVIDE TESTIMONIALS AT COMPLETION OF SPANISH CAMINO
Camino de Santiago pilgrims representing Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) agreed their experiences of the 121km walk over 6 days as a group was an unforgettable ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.
The Camino de Santiago follows in the footsteps of Spanish Benedictine monk Dom Rosendo Salvado from Santiago in Spain, who established the monastery in New Norcia, WA. The group walked from Tui (the birthplace of Rosendo Salvado) and ended at the Cathedral of Santiago in Compostela, which houses the tomb of St James.
Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia Chair, Eva Skira AO, said she felt deeply encouraged by the positive attitudes of the eleven young Catholic teachers and staff who undertook this pilgrimage.
“The grit, determination and resilience of our young walkers to finish the Camino was inspirational. In their steps, I felt the presence of God,” Ms Skira said.
“As Commission we need to be
greatly attentive to our mission, vision and the future.
“It will be our people who will create and be our future. Having witnessed their Camino journey this past week I am very confident in the capacity and commitment of our young Catholic teachers and staff.
“I also acknowledge Mandy Connor who led our CEWA Camino, Ryan Shelton as her assistant and Dr Debra Sayce who walked with us. All truly inspirational CEWA leaders.”
Janica Sell, from Our Lady Star of the Sea said, “As I walked those final steps into the square of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela I was overcome with emotions of relief, accomplishment and gratitude.”
Sarah Clairs, from Sacred Heart College said the Camino was a huge journey both physically and spiritually.
“There was pain, blisters and tears but the connection and relationships we formed with God, nature, others and ourselves helped us make it to the end. The support, courage, kindness and laughter of the group
was what carried everyone through and made it an experience that will be cherished forever.”
Rochelle Brush, St Dominics School said, “Through this Camino, I learned the profound importance of gratitude and practicing thankfulness for the people, nature, and little things that enriched the pilgrimage. I am excited to share my learnings from the Portuguese Way of St James with my school and classroom.”
“What an unforgettable experience from the prayers, laughter, photos and conversation together on the way to Santiago. Kindness of other humans along the way bought joy to my heart that I cannot express. We journeyed the final stretch into Santiago together, sore and tired but happy and waiting in anticipation. The music, joy, relief and happiness of coming into the square will stay with me forever,’ said Hannah Davies, St Mary’s Broome.
The group walked from Tui (the birthplace of Rosendo Salvado) and ended at the Cathedral of Santiago in Compostela, which houses the tomb of St James.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED/CEWA.
HARMONIOUS NOTES ACROSS BORDERS: PERTH'S YOUNG ORGANISTS BRING MUSIC TO THE ADELAIDE HILLS
In a harmonious convergence of musical exploration and historical immersion, the Adelaide Hills resounded with the captivating melodies of Perth's Cathedral young organists.
The musical journey took the young musicians from the Young Organists Programme based at St Mary's Cathedral, Perth, across state borders to the enchanting landscapes of the Adelaide/Barossa Valley region.
This marked the first venture of the Cathedral young organists beyond Western Australia, igniting a symphonic journey that resonated with both the heartstrings of music
enthusiasts and the rich history of Australian heritage.
The pilgrimage of the young organists was not merely a musical expedition but an odyssey into the history of the pipe organ.
The Adelaide/Barossa Valley area stands as a living testament to the evolution of the instrument in Australia. Featuring some of the world's finest-preserved examples of symphonic style pipe organs, this region has become a treasure trove for music aficionados and scholars alike.
Over the course of three and a half days, the young artists played their melodies on more than 20
organs that echoed through historic churches and charming villages.
Jacinta Jakovcevic, the Director of Music at St Mary's Cathedral, Perth, lauded the immersive experience.
"The trip was fantastic. Our young organists crossed the border and brought their music to the Adelaide Hills,” Ms Jakovcevic said.
“The Young Organists Programme is a pioneering initiative that bridges the gap between budding musicians and the liturgical essence of the Church.
“Our Cathedral young organists embarked on a journey that not only showcased their talent but also deepened their understanding of the intricate history and craftsmanship of these remarkable instruments."
Enthusiastic young people gather under its banner to learn the nuances of the pipe organ, its liturgical significance, and its collaboration with choirs and cantors in the context of worship.
Since its inception over three years ago, Ms Jakovcevic explains, “the program has blossomed into an avant-garde platform that nurtures young talents while preserving the legacy of this age-old instrument.”
“This field trip encompassed an educational odyssey that reached beyond the musical notes. The participants were not just performing on these historic organs but immersing themselves in the stories these instruments carried through time.
“They embraced the architectural grandeur of the churches, the ambience of the liturgical ceremonies, and the historical significance of each organ they played.”
Members of the St Mary’s Cathedral Young Organists Programme during their tour of the Adelaide/ Barossa Valley region. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/JACINTA JAKOVCEVIC.