LIFE OF DON BOSCO TO BECOME FOCUS AT PERTH PARISHES
Perth parishes are set to become host to the relics of one of the world’s most revered saints.
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. 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.
ACBC President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB will be welcoming the relics to a total of sic parishes.
A Salesian himself, ordained in 1986, Archbishop Costelloe has a close connection to the relics and St John Bosco.
“The opportunity to venerate the relics of St John Bosco is a moment in time for the Perth Catholic community to experience a unique dialogue through prayer and reflection, remembering the profound impact Don Bosco had on the lives of so many people,”
Archbishop Costelloe said. “St John Bosco has a special place in my heart and inspired me to take up my vocation and join the Salesians and take up my vocation to the priesthood.”
“We too are called to follow in his footsteps, and I pray each one of us can learn to be a positive sign to the many young people, as well as the disadvantaged, exemplifying his timeless principles,” he continued. 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.
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.
THE RECORD WINS AT CATHOLIC PRESS AWARDS
The eRecord and The Record Magazine have won several awards at the 2023 Australasian Catholic Press Association Awards.
The Awards, which were held at The Westin, in Perth, Thursday 7 September, were presented by ACPA President Neil Helmore and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. The eRecord took out Winner of the Best Content – Faith and Life for the interview with Ukrainian Bishop Mykola Bychok, The Record Magazine was awarded Highly Commended for Best Original Artwork featuring Perth Catholics support of Ukraine, The Record Magazine was awarded Highly Commended for Prof Matthew Ogilvie’s article on Cancel Culture, The Record Magazine awarded Highly Commended for Michelle Tan’s interview with Ethiopian Cardinal Souraphiel and his reflections on our land.
Ballajura Parish’s The Crossroads Magazine, published by Parish Priest Fr John Jegorow also took out the
winning award for Best Headline. Archdiocese of Hobart’s The Catholic Standard, in Tasmania was honoured the top award of the Bishop Kennedy Memorial Trophy. The 12-page monthly newspaper, produced by a small team within the Archdiocese of Hobart received the trophy for the Bishop Kennedy Award for Overall Excellence in a Catholic Publication at the ACPA annual awards dinner held on 7 September 2023.
Mr Helmore, from the Diocese of Townsville, congratulated the team at The Catholic Standard for their dedication and commitment, noting the tremendous work they achieve with limited resources.
“As Catholic media, our role is to ensure we announce the good news of our faith, and The Catholic Standard is a prime example of how this important task is fulfilled to the highest quality,” Mr Helmore said. “I congratulate all the winners and runners up and thank all ACPA members who came together for
this special occasion, to learn and grow with each other in faith,” he said.
The judges’ comments were glowing for the award-winning newspaper, stating, ‘The Catholic Standard eminently reflects the uniqueness and richness of the Catholic community of Australia’s only island state. It is an excellent balance of local, national and international news, commentary and feature stories.’
The Awards Night followed a twoday Conference at Rendezvous Scarborough with more than 50 Catholic media and communications professionals from Diocesan Communications Offices and publications across Australia. The awards, which are held annually, recognise excellence in Catholic media across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB with Ballajura Parish Priest and Editor of The Crossroads, Fr John Jegorow, Archdiocese of Perth Communications Office Production Officer Michelle Tan and Communications Manager and The Record Editor, Jamie O'Brien. PHOTO: JOSHUA LOW.
FR JOSEPH ANGELO LEAVES INDELIBLE MARK ON LEEDERVILLE PARISH
By John Pintabona
In the heart of Leederville, St Mary's Parish has been blessed with the devoted leadership of Father Joseph Angelo.
For the past 12 years, he has tirelessly served and nurtured the community, living out his sacred vocation with unwavering dedication.
On Sunday, 6 August, 2023, the parish community gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in Fr Angelo's journey as he presided over his final Mass as the beloved parish priest.
As this chapter comes to a close, a new one begins with the transition to Fr Jeffey Casabuena, who will carry forward the torch of spiritual guidance.
Fr Angelo has left an indelible mark on our hearts, known for his genuine kindness, profound humility, and resolute commitment to his sacred ministry.
His vision for a warm and allembracing parish environment has fostered a deep sense of unity and belonging among our congregation. Under his guidance, parishioners have been encouraged to strengthen their faith, actively participate in the sacraments and Mass, and embrace acts of good will to all corners.
In his parting words, Fr Angelo extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters of Mercy, Aranmore Catholic Primary School and Aranmore College for their steadfast support in nurturing the spiritual growth of the students. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in shaping young hearts with a strong foundation in faith. Also, a special thanks was directed to his parish office Secretary, Finance, Liturgy committee the Parish Council, the Italian community an all the parishioners for the years of support given to him.
Amidst the congregation, we were honoured by the presence
of President Tony Vallelonga and distinguished members of the San Rocco Association committee, integral parts of St. Mary's Parish for over four decades. Their enduring commitment has contributed to the fabric of our vibrant community. In a touching gesture, the staff from St Rita’s Nursing Home North Perth also joined us to bid farewell to Fr Angelo. His unwavering pastoral care and uplifting Masses have been a source of solace and support for those in the home, a testament to his boundless compassion.
As we turn the page to this new chapter in the life of our parish, we hold onto the teachings, love, and guidance Father Angelo has shared with us. With open hearts, we welcome Fr Jeffey Casabuena and look forward to the continued growth and spiritual enrichment of St. Mary's under his capable stewardship.
Former Leederville Parish Priest Fr Joseph Angelo with acolytes and altar servers following his final Mass, Sunday 6 August. PHOTO: SUPPLIED / LEEDERVILLE PARISH.
ST JOHN OF GOD HEALTH CARE RECOGNISED FOR OUTREACH HEALTH CARE SERVICE
St John of God Health Care won the Outreach Health Care category at this year’s Catholic Health Australia Awards on 29 August with its Horizon House service that supports young people aged 16-22 who are experiencing homelessness.
The Outreach Health Care category recognises a demonstrated commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus through the development and delivery of innovative services, particularly devoted to improving the health status of the vulnerable and/or the marginalised.
One of eight outreach services delivered by St John of God Health Care, Horizon House provides safe, stable accommodation to young people aged 16-22 years who are currently experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.
The service empowers and supports these young people to build the life they want by providing a safe and stable home.
St John of God Social Outreach
Director Homelessness and Support Services, Naomi Boyd said that accommodation was only part of the picture and it was the wrap-around support provided by Horizon House that made the service unique.
“While they’re with us, we focus on connecting young people with education, training and employment and on developing the essential life skills that they’ll need to live independently and look after themselves,” Naomi said.
“Many of the young people in our care have faced multiple challenges such as family conflict, physical or mental abuse, disrupted education, substance abuse and unemployment.
“We help connect them with appropriate community-based support and clinical services, and provide strengths based, traumainformed support and case management.
“Our job is not to replace the role of parents or guardians, rather we support the young people at Horizon
House to develop the skills needed to achieve their goals and realise their potential.”
Specialist support is available for young mums and their babies through the Young Mother and Baby Program and for young Aboriginal men through James Garnaut Horizon House in Broome.
Last financial year, Horizon House provided 176 young people with 42,238 nights of secure accommodation in 13 houses across Perth, regional WA and regional Victoria, including 32 young mothers and their babies. Of those young people, 44 identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
“The resilience and determination that these young people show and the way they flourish when they’re given the safety, stability and support that they need is absolutely inspiring,” Naomi said.
Benedictine Fr Robert Nixon OSB speaks about the New Norcia Organ which celebrated its 100th anniversary on 12 August. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.