The Record Magazine Issue 39 (April 2023)

FAITH FORMATION

Liturgical Renewal

PAGE 08

CHURCH OPENING

Banksia Grove Parish

PAGE 16

SCHOOL OPENING

Emmaus Catholic Primary

PAGE 24

Official magazine for the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

ISSUE 39

MARCH 2023

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FROM THE EDITOR Jamie O’Brien

Welcome to Issue 39 of The Record Magazine.

In this issue, we feature Archbishop Timothy Costelloe’s 2023 Easter message, in which he says that as Christians, we remain people of hope. It is not, he continues, a fanciful or unrealistic hope, as long as it is grounded, not in ourselves and our own capacities, but rather in God.

We also feature the very special Liturgical Formation and Renewal Program, which was aired in parishes across Perth commencing the first week of Lent. The program aims to encourage the Perth Catholic community to awaken a renewed love for and awareness of the extraordinary gift we have in the Eucharist, in the Mass.

The 75th anniversary of the Scarborough Parish which took place Sunday, 12 February features on pages 16 and 17. Parish Priest, Fr Christian Irdi, said the occasion was an inspiring testimony of the steadfast Catholic faith of the generations who have served the Scarborough Parish community.

Thornlie Parish Priest Fr Minh-Thuy Nguyen has also been announced as the new Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. Hailing originally from Saigon, South Vietnam, Fr Minh Thuy is the middle of five children and comes to the role with some 32 years’ experience across the Archdiocese of Perth.

From all of us here at the Archdiocesan Communications Office, we wish you a blessed Easter.

Don’t forget that these and many more stories are available at www.therecord.com.au.

Death of Pope Benedict XVI

“How can you believe since you look to each other for glory and are not concerned with the glory that comes from the one God?”

John 5:44

Recipe : Oyako Donburi

Death of Cardinal George Pell

THE ANSWER IS “YES” – IF WE ARE READY AND WILLING: SAYS ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe at the blessing and opening of the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School Dayton, Friday 17 February. Photo: Matt Biocich.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Once again this year, the joy of Easter rings out with the cry: Christ is risen! This is the source of our hope, the unshakeable conviction of our faith, and the inspiration for our determination to bring the beauty and promise of our faith to anyone who will listen. It is a message which our society needs desperately. So do not be afraid, in whatever ways you can, to share this good news with others.

In the end, of course, this message of hope is an extraordinary confirmation that all that Jesus taught about God – about God’s merciful love, God’s offer of healing and liberation from sin, of God’s infinite patience with us as we travel the journey of our lives – all this is true. When the disciples of Jesus, who had come to know, to love and to trust Him, were confronted by the terrible sight of His dead body on the cross, they must have begun to doubt what they had previously come to believe: that God really was as Jesus said He was. The death of Jesus must have been, at least for some of them, the death of their faith. But that faith was born again in the risen Christ, and they were transformed from people ruled by fear and overcome by disappointment to people who were filled, through the gift of God’s Spirit, with new hope and a courage that enabled them to be fearless witnesses to the God whom Jesus had revealed to them.

Like those first disciples, we, too, can easily be overcome by fear and by discouragement. At this particular time, many of you who are listening to me may yourselves be in this situation. Although the worst seems to be behind us, the Covid-19 virus is still present in our community and its effects are still being felt. Rising interest rates are putting great pressure on many families and the uncertainty and insecurity this brings can be very hard to bear. Homelessness in our seemingly affluent society seems to be increasing, leaving many people vulnerable to neglect and even violence.

As we look around the world, we remember that it is more than a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and we are conscious of the terrible suffering this war is inflicting on so many. Recently, Pope Francis, commenting on this, implored us to “open our eyes to the world; the whole world is at war!” He mentioned ongoing conflicts in some parts of the African continent, in Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Latin America, and Ukraine and asked, “Will humanity have the courage, the strength, or even the opportunity to turn back?”

We know, too, that natural and “man-made” disasters

continue to afflict so many. Recently, the bishops of Australia attended a meeting of all the bishops of Oceania in Fiji and were able to see with our own eyes the terrible toll unregulated mining is taking on the natural environment and therefore on the lives of so many people.

In the face of all this, we could so easily become discouraged and depressed, just as the disciples were when Jesus was tortured and killed. Such discouragement is understandable, and it is insensitive and unjust to dismiss it or minimise the suffering which so many people are enduring at this time.

Nevertheless, we Christians do remain people of hope. It is not, of course, a fanciful or unrealistic hope, or at least not as long as it is grounded not in ourselves and our own capacities but, rather, in God. Pope Francis asks the question, “Will humanity have the courage, the strength, or even the opportunity to turn back?” Perhaps we can personalise this a little more: will I and will you have the courage, the strength and even the opportunity to turn back?

Easter gives us the answer to this question. The answer is “yes” – if we are ready and willing to open our lives, our minds and our hearts to the transforming power of God’s grace within us. This is, perhaps, the great challenge of our Christian lives. God is always ready to come to us, to be with us and to accompany us on our life’s journey. God is the giver of all good gifts – but God does not force these gifts on us: we must say “yes” as Mary did, with openness and trust, ready to abandon the fiction that we can manage quite well without the Lord in our lives and, instead, be eager to allow the Lord to fill us with His love and lead us forward.

In the Book of Revelation, there is a beautiful image which can perhaps help us to understand all this a little better. “Look,” says Jesus, “Behold I am standing at your door knocking. If one of you hears me and opens the door I will come in to share a meal, side by side with you” (Rev 3:19-20).

Easter assures us that the Lord is alive today. He is risen from the dead and He stands before His Father praying for us. But, at the same time, He stands at the door of our lives and of our hearts and continues to knock, asking us to let Him in. He wants to make His home within us. Say “yes” to this gift. Accept this offer made in generosity and love. Begin to live your lives in Christ and allow Him to enrich the lives of all you love. Let your restless hearts be stilled by the power of His gift of Easter peace.

ARCHBISHOP OF PERTH

+ Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB

EASTER A TIME TO HOPE IN THE LORD

BISHOP SPROXTON’ S 2023 EASTER MESSAGE

Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton speaks with guests at the ecumenical prayer service on the anniversary of the war in Urkaine on Friday, 24 February 2023. Photo: Ron Tan.

The celebration of Easter touches something very deep in most human beings, both those who are not especially religious and those who are.

It is the hope that joy is more enduring than sorrow, that love is stronger than hatred, and that life is more powerful than death.

For many, this, at times, seems like a very fragile hope, one to which we cling in the face of evidence to the contrary. As we consider the conflicts and suffering which confront us in so many parts of the world, the very idea of the triumph of life and love over death and hatred might seem to be an impossible dream beyond our grasp.

The qualities and attitudes of mind and heart which marked every moment of Jesus’ life and which led Him, courageously, to his death – qualities which we as his disciples are called to keep alive in our world today - might themselves seem merely the stuff of dreams with no connection to reality.

And yet, precisely because the attitudes of Jesus – simplicity, compassion, self-forgetfulness, forgiveness, humility – are so profoundly human, we must believe that they can be a part of the real world, not just part of an imaginary world.

For some, indeed, it is literally a “hope against hope” when everything we see around us, or within us, tells us that there is no reason to hope, and yet we still do.

To lose hope altogether, and to give up on life, is surely one of the saddest fates than can befall any human being. And yet, it seems, there is a spreading hopelessness, an emptiness, in our society which should concern us.

Christians believe it is God who creates this deep hope within us. We also believe that God intends to see that hope fulfilled. The belief in the raising of Jesus from the dead is the ground of Christian hope and the source of our confidence in God’s love.

The story of the crucified and risen Jesus is the story of one who brought sight to the blind, food to the hungry, forgiveness to the repentant, and hope to the hopeless. His followers are called to do the same today. Certainly, none of us alone can solve the terrible problems which confront our world at the moment. But each one of us can change ourselves – or rather open ourselves to the transforming power of the Lord working in us and through us. As we change, so will those around us. Change in our families, our friends, the Lord’s Church which we love, and the society of which we must remain an active part, will gradually begin to emerge. Things will be better than they are at the moment. For Christians especially, this is not an “impossible dream”. Because of the resurrection of Christ, we believe that He is now present to us, ready to share everything He has – His simplicity and compassion, His forgiveness and humility, His self-forgetfulness and, of course, His intimate communion with His Father – with us. This is the gift of life He promises us. It is the gift we celebrate at Easter.

I hope that you and those you love experience something of this special gift of hope during these Easter days.

+ Bishop Donald Sproxton

BISHOP OF PERTH

SPECIAL REPORT: The gift of the Eucharist the focus for new liturgical formation and renewal program

We simply cannot be faithful to the call from God unless we recognise that our deepest identity can only be found in our relationship with Christ, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has said, in launching a new program focusing on liturgical formation and renewal.

Commencing with an introduction video from Archbishop Costelloe that was aired in parishes on the first weekend of Lent, the program aims to encourage the Perth Catholic community to awaken a renewed love for and awareness of, the extraordinary gift we have in the Eucharist, in the Mass.

“It is God’s most precious gift to us through His Church: it is God’s gift of Himself in Christ,” explained Archbishop Costelloe, in launching the program.

Leading implementation of the program as a Working Group is Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, supported by Centre for Liturgy Director, Sr Kerry Willison RSM, Catholic Education Western Australia

Director of Religious Education, Deacon Mark Powell, Director of the Centre for Faith Enrichment, Dr Marco Ceccarelli and Catechist Services Field Officer, Mildred Rego.

The program, explains Fr Vincent, responds to Archbishop Costelloe’s Pastoral Letter published in August 2022, which focuses on the centrality and importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church and the Archdiocese.

This Pastoral Letter asked for a program of liturgical formation and renewal to take place in the Archdiocese.

The Archbishop asked, continued Fr Vincent, that we develop a process whereby all of us in the diocese might engage in a renewal of our liturgical practice, by engaging in a deeper study and reflection on the faith of the Church which is expressed in the Church’s liturgy.

“Archbishop Costelloe asked that at the heart of this program of renewal there should be a rediscovery of the richness of our Catholic faith in the Eucharist,

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

including our belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ under the sacramental signs of bread and wine,” Fr Vincent said.

“This is also preceded by Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, (DD#27), in which he highlights the need for liturgical formation,” Fr Vincent continued.

During the five weeks of Lent, four short video messages (in addition to the Introduction from Archbishop Costelloe) speaking about the meaning of Sacramentality, Why we Gather to celebrate Liturgy, Signs and Symbols in the Liturgy and What is Liturgy, were shown in our parish communities. The videos feature Fr Vincent Glynn, Sr Kerry Willison RSM and Mildred Rego.

Archbishop Costelloe says it is important that the Perth Catholic community reflect on what it means to be a Christ-centred Church that is prayerful and Eucharistic. “The gift of the Eucharist, like the gift of faith itself, comes to us from God who calls us into His Church through baptism and nourishes and

strengthens this faith through our life within the Church,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“That God should choose us will always remain both an undeserved grace and a profound mystery,” he said.

Fr Vincent Glynn said after the Easter season there will be a focus on the celebration of the Eucharist.

“In particular, Christ present in the community gathered, Christ present in the Word proclaimed, Christ present in the minister and especially Christ present in His body and blood,” Fr Glynn explained.

“This focus will culminate on the Feast of Corpus Christi,” he said.

Liturgical Formation and Renewal has been encouraged by publication of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, (“I have earnestly desired”), released 29 June 2022 on the feast of Sts Peter and Paul.

The title of the Holy Father’s Letter comes from Luke 22:15 when, before the Last Supper, Jesus

tells His disciples, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer”.

In his letter, Pope Francis insisted that Catholics need to better understand the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and its goal of promoting the “full, conscious, active and fruitful celebration” of the Mass.

“With this letter, I simply want to invite the whole Church to rediscover, to safeguard and to live the truth and power of the Christian celebration,” Pope Francis wrote.

“I want the beauty of the Christian celebration and its necessary consequences for the life of the Church not to be spoiled by a superficial and foreshortened understanding of its value or, worse yet, by it being exploited in service of some ideological vision, no matter what the hue.

“The priestly prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper that all may be one judges every one of our divisions around the bread broken, around the sacrament of mercy, the sign of unity, the bond of charity,” he said.

The Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter focused on encouraging Catholics to learn to recognise and be astounded by the great gift of the celebration of the

Eucharist and how it is not simply a weekly “staging” of the Last Supper but truly allows people of all times and all places to encounter the crucified and risen Lord and to eat His body and drink His blood through the sacramental signs of bread and wine.

It is essential, writes Pope Francis, to recognise that the Mass does not belong to the priest or to any individual worshipper, but to Christ and His Church.

“The liturgy does not say ‘I’ but ‘we,’ and any limitation on the breadth of this ‘we’ is always demonic,” he said.

“The liturgy does not leave us alone to search out an individual supposed knowledge of the mystery of God. Rather, it takes us by the hand, together, as an assembly, to lead us deep within the mystery that the word and the sacramental signs reveal to us.”

“Consistent with all action of God,” he said, “the liturgy leads people into the mystery using symbolic actions and signs.”

The videos are available to watch via the Archdiocesan YouTube, Archdiocesan website and Centre for Liturgy website.

www.youtube.com/perthcatholic

www.perthcatholic.org.au

www.centreforliturgy.perthcatholic.org.au

During the five weeks of Lent, four short video messages (in addition to an Introduction from Archbishop Costelloe) speaking about the meaning of Sacramentality, Why we Gather to celebrate Liturgy, Signs and Symbols in the Liturgy and What is Liturgy, were shown in parish communities across Perth. The videos feature Fr Vincent Glynn, Sr Kerry Willison RSM and Mildred Rego. Images: Adobe.

Pope Francis elevates the Eucharist as he celebrates Mass at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus, 3 December 2021. In launching a new program of Liturgical Formation and Renewal this week, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says that God should choose us will always remain both an undeserved grace and a profound mystery. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe elevates the Body of Christ during the Opening Mass of the Fifth Plenary Council Sunday, 3 October 2021. In launching a new program of Liturgical Formation and Renewal this week, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says it is important the Perth Catholic community reflect on what it means to be a Christ-centred Church that is prayerful and Eucharistic. Photo: Ron Tan/Archdiocese of Perth.

Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton confirms a Perth woman in August 2020 at St Mary’s Cathedral. A new program of Liturgical Formation and Renewal has launched in the Archdiocese of Perth with video messages highlighting an understanding of Sacramentality, Why we Gather to celebrate Liturgy, Signs and Symbols in the Liturgy and What is Liturgy. Photo: Ron Tan/ Archdiocese of Perth.

Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton baptises a Perth woman in August 2020 at St Mary’s Cathedral. A new program of Liturgical Formation and Renewal launched in the Archdiocese of Perth with video messages highlighting an understanding of Sacramentality, Why we Gather to celebrate Liturgy, Signs and Symbols in the Liturgy and What is Liturgy. Photo: Ron Tan/ Archdiocese of Perth.

The Burden of Christ is Light Image: Soichi Watanabe. We all are One in Jesus Christ

Image: Soichi Watanab e.

SPECIAL REPORT

Death of Cardinal George Pell: Giant of the Church in Australia passes away suddenly aged 81

Australian Cardinal George Pell passed away Tuesday, 10 January, aged 81.

Sources close to Cardinal Pell told The Record that he had been talking with the anaesthetist in hospital following the procedure when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest, at Salvator Mundi hospital in Rome and passed away shortly before 9pm local time.

The death of Cardinal Pell was a shock because, just five days earlier, he had concelebrated the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI and “seemed in good health”, said Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

In his homily at Cardinal Pell’s funeral Mass Saturday 14 January in St Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Re described the Australian prelate as often being “a strong-willed and decisive protagonist” with “a strong temperament that, at times, could appear harsh”.

In addition to being one of the Catholic Church’s tallest prelates, Cardinal Pell was also one of the most influential.

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said it was with great sadness that he learned of the unexpected death of Cardinal George Pell.

“Cardinal Pell provided strong and clear leadership within the Catholic Church in Australia, as Archbishop

of Melbourne and Archbishop of Sydney and as a member of the Bishops Conference for more than 25 years,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“His many strengths were widely recognised, both in Australia and around the world, as his Vatican appointments as Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy and as a member of the Council of Cardinals, an advisory group to Pope Francis,” he said.

Archbishop Costelloe continued by emphasising that Cardinal Pell’s impact on the life of the Church in Australia and around the world will continue to be felt for many years.

“As we remember him and reflect on his legacy, I invite all Catholics and other people of goodwill to join in praying for Cardinal Pell, a man of deep and abiding faith, and for the repose of his soul,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Born in Ballarat in June 1941, Cardinal Pell entered the seminary in Werribee in 1960 and was ordained a priest in 1966 in Rome by Cardinal Gregorio Pietro Agagianian.

He quickly became a rising star in Church in Australian and went on to have a prominent ecclesial career, being appointed as Auxiliary Bishop for Melbourne in 1987 and as then Archbishop in 1996.

In 2001, Cardinal Pell was appointed

Cardinal George Pell leads the World Youth Day opening Mass in Sydney, 15 July 2008. Photo: Reuters/Daniel Munoz.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

Archbishop of Sydney, going on to be made Cardinal by the now St (Pope) John Paul II in 2003, participating in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, who passed away 31 December at the age of 95.

Shortly after his election in 2013, Pope Francis established a Council of Cardinals advising him on matters of Church governance and reform, naming Cardinal Pell as one of the Council’s first members and appointing him head of the thennewly established Secretariat for the Economy.

The Vatican’s third most powerful prelate at the time, Cardinal Pell was tasked with reforming the Vatican’s murky finances, which involved putting together balance sheets, conducting audits, and attempting to loosen the powerful Secretariat of State’s grasp on a significant portion of the Holy See’s assets.

“The last years of his life were marked by an unjust and painful condemnation,” Cardinal Re said, referring to Cardinal Pell’s conviction on charges of sexual abuse and his 404 days in jail before the Australian High Court overturned the conviction.

Cardinal Re told mourners at the funeral that the court “exonerated him with a sentence of full innocence, and he was finally able to leave prison”.

Cardinal Pell’s trust in God amid such suffering, Cardinal Re said, is an example of “how to accept even unjust punishments with dignity and inner peace”.

The Cardinal’s three-volume “Prison Journal” made clear “how much faith and prayer” helped him, and the books could help others who “suffer unjustly”, Cardinal Re said.

“A man of God and a man of the Church, he was characterised by a deep faith and great firmness of doctrine, which he always defended without hesitation and with courage, concerned only with being faithful to Christ,” Cardinal Re said.

Archbishop Emeritus Hickey expressed his grief at the passing of Cardinal Pell, noting he still had a significant contribution to provide to the Church.

Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey said he first met Cardinal Pell when he was was Archbishop of Melbourne.

“He had no self-doubt about the positions he held and could expand on them very strongly, even to those who disagreed with him,” Archbishop Emeritus Hickey said.

Cardinal George Pell of Sydney kisses the hand of Pope John Paul II as he receives the document designating his new title during the consistory in St Peter’s Square, 21 October 2003. Photo: CNS/Reuters.

Cardinal George Pell consecrates the Eucharist during the Chrism Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, 28 March 2013. Photo: CNS/Kerry Myers.

Pope Francis signs a cricket bat of a Canterbury cricket team received from Australian Cardinal George Pell at the Vatican on 29 October 2015. Photo: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters.

POPE BENEDICT XVI: EIGHT YEARS AS POPE CAPPED LONG MINISTRY AS TEACHER OF FAITH

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says Pope Benedict XVI will long be remembered fondly in Australia as the Pontiff who led young people from around the globe in prayer at World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.

Pope Benedict, born Joseph Ratzinger, led the Church from April 2005 until February 2013, becoming the first Pope in centuries to resign. He had earlier served as Head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, one of the Vatican’s most influential departments, for more than two decades.

He died on Saturday 31 December at the age of 95, nearly 10 years after leaving the papacy to retire to what he said would be a life of prayer and study.

“From his time as an expert adviser – or Peritus – at the Second Vatican Council onwards, there was no question that Joseph Ratzinger was a major figure within the Church around the world,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“His papacy will be remembered as one of rich teaching, including his encyclicals on love, hope and truth, as well as his book series Jesus of Nazareth, and for important reforms in areas like liturgy and in the handling of child sexual abuse.”

A close collaborator of St John Paul II and the theological expert behind many of his major teachings and gestures, Pope Benedict came to the papacy after 24 years heading the doctrinal congregation’s work of safeguarding Catholic teaching on faith and morals, correcting the work

of some Catholic theologians and ensuring the theological solidity of the documents issued by other Vatican offices.

As Pope, he continued writing as a theologian, but also made historically important gestures to Catholics who had difficulty accepting all teachings of the Second Vatican Council, particularly about the liturgy.

His papacy, which began when he was 78, was extremely busy for a man who already had a pacemaker and had wanted to retire to study, write and pray when he turned 75. He used virtually every medium at his disposal – books and Twitter, sermons and encyclicals – to catechise the faithful on the foundational beliefs and practices of Christianity, ranging from the sermons of St Augustine to the sign of the cross.

Pope Benedict was the first Pope to meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse. He clarified Church laws to expedite cases and mandated that Bishops Conferences put in place stringent norms against abuse.

Although he did not expect to travel much, he ended up making 24 trips to six continents and three times presided over World Youth Day megagatherings: in Germany in 2005, Australia in 2008, and Spain in 2011.

While still in his 30s, he served as an influential adviser during the Second Vatican Council, 196265, and, as Pope, made it a priority to correct what he saw as overly expansive interpretations of Vatican II in favour of readings that stressed the

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe receives the pallium from Pope Benedict XVI during a Mass on 29 June 2013 in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Photo: CNS/L’Osservatore Romano

Joseph Ratzinger, second row at right, is pictured with his sister, Maria, brother, Georg, and parents, Maria and Joseph in this 8 July 1951 file photo. Photo: CNS/Catholic Press Photo.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, greets Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in 2004.

Photo: CNS

WORDS Cindy Wooden and Jamie O’Brien

Council’s continuity with the Church’s millennial traditions.

Under his oversight, the Vatican continued to highlight the Church’s moral boundaries on issues such as end-of-life medical care, marriage and homosexuality.

But Benedict’s message to society at large focused less on single issues and more on the risk of losing the basic relationship between the human being and the Creator.

Surprising those who had expected a by-thebook pontificate from a man who had spent so many years as the Vatican’s chief doctrinal official, Pope Benedict emphasised that Christianity was a religion of love and not a religion of rules.

The German-born Pontiff did not try to match the popularity of St John Paul, but the millions of people who came to see him in Rome and abroad, came to appreciate his smile, frequent ad-libs and ability to speak from the heart.

Some of Pope Benedict’s most memorable statements came when he applied simple Gospel values to social issues such as the protection of human life, the environment and economics. When the global financial crisis worsened in 2008, for example, the then Pope Benedict insisted that financial institutions must put people before profits.

He also reminded people that money and worldly success are passing realities, saying: “Whoever builds his life on these things – on material things, on success, on appearances – is building on sand”. He consistently warned the West that unless its secularised society rediscovered religious values, it could not hope to engage in real dialogue with Muslims and members of other religious traditions. In his encyclicals and books on Jesus of Nazareth, Benedict honed that message, asking readers to discover the essential connections between sacrificial love, works of charity, a dedication to the truth and the Gospel of Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI, elected Pope 19 April 2005, waves from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican after he was announced as the 265th Pope. Photo: CNS.

SCARBOROUGH PARISHIONERS CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE GIFT OF FAITH THAT GOD HAS GIVEN

Fr Kevin Cummins. Fr Peter Whitely and Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini both served in the parish as Assistant Priests in the 1970’s.

Speaking about the significant changes in society over the past 75 years, Archbishop Costelloe said that in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, life looked very different.

“As I look back, the thing that strikes me most forcefully is that when I was a boy growing up, the values of my family, and the values of the Catholic school to which my mum and dad sent both my brother and me, were pretty much indistinguishable from the values of the society around us,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.

“We are now trying to live our Christian life, our life of discipleship in a society which doesn’t support the values that are important to us, in the way that the society used to be. Hence, emphasised Archbishop Costelloe, the Church really needs to think carefully about how we are to convey the message of Christ in a very different situation, in a very different context.

“What is the Lord asking of us, now, at this time in our history, which is in some respects, so different from us?

What are we called to do and be as a Church at this particular time in our history?

This was the question asked by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at the Scarborough Parish Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 75th Anniversary. The celebration was attended by more than 600 past and present parishioners, Sunday 12 February and joining Archbishop Costelloe for the occasion was Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Peter Whitely VG, Parish Priest Fr Christian Irdi, former parish priest Fr Grant Goddard, Geraldton Diocese

Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini and guest priest

“Faithfulness. Fidelity. Still, today, in 2023, God is asking us the same thing He asked of those who first founded this parish: to be faithful to the gift of faith that He has given to us.”

Parish Priest Fr Christian Irdi said the occasion was an inspiring testimony of the steadfast Catholic faith of the generations who have served the Scarborough Parish community.

“I acknowledge the many members of the clergy who have served this parish in various capacities over the course of its long history,” Fr Christian said.

“I am grateful to them for all their tireless efforts in laying the solid foundations upon which we continue

● The Immaculate Heart of Mary stained-glass window, set in concrete, is found in the south-wall of the Church in the choir loft. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

to build in our own present day.

Fr Christian also paid tribute to the extraordinary contribution of the Dominican Sisters who served and continue to serve the parish community and school for more than 70 years.

“Their joyful Christian witness and selfless service continue to inspire me and many others in all that they do for us,” he said.

A commemorative booklet was also produced for the occasion, in addition to a Papal Blessing which was presented to Parish Council Chair David Somers by Fr Christian at the conclusion of Mass.

Parish Priest Fr Christian Irdi presents Parish Council Chair David Somers with the Papal Blessing at the conclusion of Mass for the 75th Anniversary of Scarborough Parish Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Sunday 12 February. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Scarborough Parish Director of Music Sr Edith Murphy OP, at right, with a parishioner. Sr Edith has served at the parish for a significant number of years. Photo: Josephine Warburton.

The Church reallyneedstothink carefullyabout howwe areto conveythe message ofChrist in averydifferent situation, in averydifferent context, said PerthArchbishopTimothy Costelloe, duringthe Mass forthe 75thAnniversaryof ScarboroughParishImmaculate Heart ofMaryChurch on Sunday12 February.

Photo: Jamie

O’Brien.

A historical photo board was on display for the 75th Anniversary of Scarborough Parish Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Sunday 12 February. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Archbishop Costelloe receives the bread and wine during Mass for the 75th Anniversary of Scarborough Parish Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Sunday 12 February.

Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

Archbishop Costelloe, third from left, with Parish Priest Fr Christian Irdi, fourth from left, and former parish priest Fr Grant Gorddard, former administrator Fr Patrick Toohey, Geraldton Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini and Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Peter Whitely. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

PERTH’S NEWEST CHURCH OF ST JOHN PAUL II BANKSIA GROVE DEDICATED AND OPENED ON AUSTRALIA DAY

God is asking us to see the new church building of St John Paul II Banksia Grove as a powerful symbol of all that He is calling us to be, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has said.

Celebrating the dedication and opening of the new Church at Banksia Grove, on Thursday 26 January, Archbishop Costelloe was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General Fr Peter Whitely VG, Parish Priest Fr Vinh Dong and assisted by Deacon Nicholas Diedler.

Also joining Archbishop Costelloe for the occasion were Geraldton Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini and Bishop Joseph Dang Duc Nguyen from the Diocese of Thanh Hóa, Vietnam.

Some 1000 people from across Banksia Grove and the surrounding suburbs came together for the occasion, which commenced with a lion dance and flag bearers to demonstrate the multicultural element of the parish and a Welcome to Country. Gathered at the outside entrance of the church, which includes a life-size statue of St John Paul II, Archbishop Costelloe blessed the relics of three saints – St John Paul II, St Mary MacKillop and St

Agnes Le Thi Thanh, the only female Vietnamese martyr – which were carried into the new church with the procession by three families of the parish. The relics were later fixed into the front of the altar by Archbishop Costelloe. The congregation was then led to the front of the church where Archbishop Costelloe was presented with the keys and plans of the new church building by Mark Langdon and John Andrews from DWA Architects and Ross Leighton and Grant Shirley from Metrocon Builders.

Archbishop Costelloe cut the ribbon with the assistance of Fr Vinh Dong and four Dominican Sisters (who are based at the parish), followed by the unveiling of the stone plaque at the entrance. Speaking in his homily, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on the words from scripture, ‘You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church’.

“The Church, of which we are all a part, looks back to that first group of disciples whom Jesus gathered around Him, with Peter as their leader,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.

“It is the Church to which Jesus gave the gift of His

Photos by: Jamie O’Brien

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

Holy Spirit at Pentecost. “It is the Church which, from those early beginnings, set out on a journey which has lasted for over 2000 years. And it is the Church which gathers, here in this place, on this day, as we come together and come, rejoicing, into the house of God,” he said.

Speaking at the end of the Mass, Building Committee Chair Tony Jensch explained that planning to build the new Church commenced in 2015, shortly after Fr Vinh had been installed as Parish Priest.

Courage, said Mr Jensch, is the word that comes to mind for all those responsible in making decisions on undertaking our church’s construction during the time of COVID-19.

“As we continue to work on our church here in Banksia Grove, knowing God’s grace has entered and guided us at every turn, especially evident in those times of uncertainty,” Mr Jensch said.

Parish Priest Fr Vinh Dong said that in taking up the challenge of building the new church and parish

community, he was blessed with the support of many priests, as well as people from different faiths. “Churches are buildings that ought to reflect and inspire the Christian faith,” Fr Vinh said.

“This church design is a blend of modern architecture and traditional characteristics that one may find in more ancient churches,” he explained.

At the end of Mass, several items were also shown to the congregation that would be placed into a time capsule located in the sacristy to be opened in 50 years’ time in 2070.

These items included stories from parishioners, ashes from the first Ash Wednesday Mass celebrated by the parish, two bottles of whiskey, coins, a replica of a wooden boat that Fr Vinh arrived in Australia, commemorative medals from World Wars I and II, as well as photos from the opening and dedication which were provided by the Archdiocesan Communications Office.

Photos by: Jamie O’Brien

FORMER REFUGEE

FR MINH-THUY NGUYEN ANNOUNCED AS NEW VICAR FOR CLERGY

Thornlie Parish Priest Fr Minh Thuy has been announced as the new Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. In making the announcement, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said he is excited about this new chapter in the life of the Archdiocese.

“Providing a high level of support to our priests is a key element in the passing on of the faith to our people and with Fr Minh-Thuy as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, I am confident we will be able to continue and strengthen our efforts in supporting our clergy across the Archdiocese in their life and mission of service to the Church,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“This is a pivotal moment in the life of the Archdiocese, and I am very pleased Fr Minh-Thuy has accepted to take on this very important ministry.

“I invite all our priests and the Archdiocese to welcome him and support him in his new ministry,” he said.

Fr Minh-Thuy’s appointment comes following the retirement of former Vicar for Clergy Fr Brian McKenna.

The role of the Episcopal Vicar for Clergy is central to supporting clergy practically as well as spiritually.

Born in Saigon, South Vietnam on 4 December

1958, Fr Minh Thuy is the middle of five children to Nghiem Nguyen and Tuoi Nguyen (nee Nguyen). After commencing his study at La Salle Brothers College in Saigon, Fr Minh Thuy continued his secondary education at St Phillip Minh College, which was also a minor seminary where he undertook seven years of formation towards the priesthood aged 19. However, in 1979, Fr Minh Thuy was forced underground – including being chased and shot at - by the Communists who were determined to make him join the army to invade Cambodia and Laos. His father, who was in the army of the previous government and the director of a bank before 1975, had already been imprisoned in 1977 and his two older brothers had been recruited to the army prior to the Communists taking control of South Vietnam in April 1975.

The next two years were spent living without any identification, constantly trying to avoid being captured, moving from house to house.

In April 1981, a 22-year-old Minh Thuy made the decision to flee Vietnam by boat in a vessel which was only 13 metres long, together with another 78

New Vicar for Clergy, Thornlie Parish Priest

Fr Minh-Thuy Nguyen says the suffering he went through as a Vietnamese refugee enables him to relate easily to others.

Photo: Michelle Tan.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

people, including some 30 young children. They spent the next five days and five nights drifting on the Pacific Ocean until they were rescued by a German supply ship.

Fr Minh-Thuy says he remembers feeling scared and hopeless.

“Even after I escaped, I wondered if I would die,” he recalled.

“Those five days and five nights in the Pacific Ocean were the longest of my life,” he said. The boat was brought to Pulau Bidong Island in Malaysia where Fr Minh Thuy stayed for one month before being accepted to go to Australia.

It was Holy Week, and Fr Minh Thuy says arriving in Pulau Bidong gave him hope for the beginning of a new life.

Arriving in Perth at the end of 29 August 1981, Minh Thuy commenced a course to learn English, while working part-time as a gardener and cleaner. It was a time of searching for his vocation.

From 1982 to 1983, Minh-Thuy commenced a period of vocational discernment at St Charles’ Seminary –then known as Vocation Place – under the spiritual direction of then Rector Fr Brian Rosling.

Fr Minh-Thuy says he remembers during that time, feeling at peace, giving thanks to God for the many blessings, firstly for being accepted into Australia and also for his freedom.

He commenced his official training to the priesthood in 1984 at St Francis Xavier Seminary, Adelaide, for the next six years, being ordained to the Diaconate on 18 August 1990 by Archbishop Leonard Faulkner at Sacred Heart Church Hindmarsh, Adelaide.

“It was a happy day because, luckily, one year before my ordination, I was reunited with my whole family,” he said.

“I think that was a big gift from God for me. I was able to concentrate on my vocation to serve people as a priest.”

He was ordained a priest on 6 July 1991 by then Perth Apostolic Administrator Bishop Robert Healy, following the death of Archbishop Foley, having spent the past 11 months in the parish of Spearwood.

His first appointment, as Assistant Parish Priest, saw him return to Spearwood, then onto Kalgoorlie in

1993, Mirrabooka in 1994 and then as Parish Priest at Southern Cross in 1998.

“I really enjoyed every parish I served. I was lucky to have great mentors,” he said.

“I’m a social person and I enjoy venturing out to meet the people and hear their story.

“Through my suffering, I found it was easy to understand and help people in difficult situations.”

In February 2001, he was appointed to a growing Vietnamese Catholic Community, co-ordinating the purchase of the former Macedonian Community Centre building on Wanneroo Road as the new Mass and multicultural centre in 2005.

This bold decision has seen the Vietnamese Catholic Community grow to more than 3000 members across the Archdiocese, with some 200 young people who regularly attend the Vietnamese language school and Eucharistic Youth Movement celebrations.

“I’m very happy because I built a bridge between two cultures, helping them to integrate into a new society,” he said.

“I could especially understand the young people who were born in Australia and the older people who kept their own culture. It was a blessing for me to work with my own people.”

This was followed by appointments as Parish Priest at Bayswater for nine years in 2009 and most recently at Thornlie from 2018, where he will continue until April this year.

Fr Minh-Thuy says that while he is somewhat surprised by his new appointment as Vicar for Clergy, he is humbled by the appointment and, with God’s grace, is keen to be a support to his brother priests and clergy.

“After 32 years of priesthood, I am confident the many experiences of the communities at Spearwood, Mirrabooka, Bayswater and Thornlie, especially with the multicultural communities, will help me,” Fr Minh-Thuy said.

“To look after their physical and spiritual well-being, to listen and care for them, will be a life-changing experience,” he said.

● New Vicar for Clergy Fr Minh Thuy Nguyen, second from right, with Subiaco Parish Priest Msgr Kevin Long, and Fr Francis Xavier Phan Nguyen, (the uncle of Fr Minh Thuy) during a celebration for the Year of Consecrated Life. Photo: Supplied/Vietnamese Catholic Community.

● Gathered for the celebration of the 40th Anniversary Mass of the Vietnamese Catholic Community in 2021 are Mgr Michael Keating, Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Vietnamese Chaplain Fr Dominic Son Kim Nguyen, Fr Mong Huynh Nguyen, UWA Fr Peter Tran, Fr Chien Nguyen, Fr Francis Xavier Pham Nguyen and Fr Minh Thuy Nguyen. Photo: Supplied.

MARY IS ALL ABOUT HELPING US TO BE THE BEST DISCIPLES OF JESUS, SAYS ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE

PERTH Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB told youth from the United Kingdom that the Church needs their energy, their enthusiasm, their restlessness and their idealism.

“And when I say the Church needs all this, I am really saying that God is asking this of you,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Archbishop Costelloe was speaking at the 2023 Flame: Rise Up, National Youth Congress, held at Wembley’s OVO Arena in London, Saturday 4 March. The Congress was organised by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation of England and Wales, which includes the Catholic dioceses of England and Wales plus religious orders, movements and organisations engaged in youth ministry.

More than 8000 youth from schools, parishes, diocesan groups and religious groups, gathered in the colourful arena holding up lights from their mobile phones in what is the first gathering of its kind for Catholic youth in the UK since 2019.

Every diocese in England and Wales was represented, with much cheering during a diocesan roll call. Many groups commenced traveling to the Congress from the early hours of the morning and faced lengthy journeys home afterwards.

Complete silence filled the arena as a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was brought to the front at the start of the six-hour event.

Students from St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s schools in East London produced a short drama about the angel inspiring Mary to rise up and visit Elizabeth. The Church, said Archbishop Costelloe, wearing his Salesian scarf, is always in danger of getting stuck and closing in on itself; thankfully God constantly does things to shake us all up.

“In our time God has given us Pope Francis,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“He keeps reminding us that we have to become a missionary Church, a Church that doesn’t stay hidden inside its buildings but gets up, gets going, and takes

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

The Church, said Archbishop Costelloe, wearing his Salesian scarf, is always in danger of getting stuck and closing in on itself; thankfully God constantly does things to shake us all up. Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

some risks in order to share what we have with others,” he said.

Focusing on the theme of the Congress, which is based on the 2023 World Youth Day to be held in Portugal, Mary arose and went with haste, Archbishop Costelloe explained that Mary is often described as the very first and very best disciple of Jesus and for that reason she has a lot to teach us, that she really does matter.

“Mary is all about helping us to be the best disciples of Jesus that we can possibly be so she is always pointing us away from herself and directing us towards him,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“Remember what she said to the waiters at the wedding feast in Cana? The wine had run out – a very embarrassing situation for the new bride and groom – and Mary had gone to Jesus to see what he might do.

“Although she wasn’t sure just what that might be, she simply turned to the waiters and said, ‘You do whatever he tells you’.

“That’s her message to us as well; that’s what she most wants – that we do whatever the Lord is asking us to do,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Archbishop Costelloe also spoke about St Francis of Assisi, drawing on the words of Pope Francis’ when he spoke at World Youth Day Poland.

“This was the modern Francis putting into contemporary language the words the other Francis heard so long ago.

“So maybe this is what God is saying, ‘Young people of the UK, get up off your couches, go and help rebuild my Church, help it to set out on new and uncharted paths. Help stop the Church from falling into ruins.’” Pope Francis also sent his greetings and encouragement to participants at the Congress, in a message signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

The Holy Father assured the young Catholics of his “spiritual closeness” and prayed that “Almighty God will richly bless their time together”.

He expressed his hopes that “through adoration, music, testimonies, and the sharing of friendship with Christ and with one another, all those present will grow strong in faith and love and bear witness courageously to the Gospel message that sets us free.”

The Blessed Sacrament is elevated during the 2023 Flame: Rise Up Youth Congress. 4 March. Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

Youth pray during the 2023 Flame: Rise Up Youth Congress held at Wembley Arena, London, 4 March. Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

Youth process in with the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham during the 2023 Flame: Rise Up Youth Congress. Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB told youth from the UK that the Church needs their energy & their enthusiasm. Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols watches the procession of Our Lady of Walsingham. Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TAKE THEIR INSPIRATION FROM JESUS, SAYS ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE

Catholic schools take their inspiration from Jesus, said Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB in blessing the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School in Dayton.

Speaking on Friday 17 February at the new school, 20kms north-east of Perth city, Archbishop Costelloe was joined for the occasion by Episcopal Vicar, Education and Faith Formation, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Ellenbrook Parish Priest Fr Bonaventure Echeta, Catholic Education Commission WA Chair, Ms Eva Skira AM, CEWA Acting Executive Director, Wayne Bull, Emmaus CPS Deputy Principal, Loretta Hackner and Principal, Sandro Coniglio, WA Education Minister the Hon Dr Tony Buti MLA, WA Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, the Hon Rita Saffioti, City of Swan Lord Mayor David Lucas and several other dignitaries.

“And seek to build a culture and environment, which brings alive in real and concrete ways the attitudes of mind and heart which were the foundation of Jesus’ own way of being, of speaking and of acting,” Archbishop Costelloe continued.

Perth’s newest Catholic school has opened on the former site of the Riverlands Montessori School and will continue to honour Montessori education principles into the future.

The respect for the child principle, a cornerstone of the Montessori approach, aligns with the Emmaus

Catholic Primary School ‘child-focused’ vision for learning, where the natural development of the child is supported in a well-prepared environment, so they can develop the skills and abilities for effective learning autonomy and positive self-esteem and self-worth.

Principal Sandro Coniglio, on behalf of all 20 staff members, said he is thrilled to be welcoming the foundation cohort of students to Emmaus.

“We have been working hard, with support from the local community and Catholic Education WA to ensure the school is ready for the start of this exciting chapter,” Mr Coniglio said.

CEWA Acting Executive Director Wayne Bull said opening a new school takes immense commitment and selfless dedication from so many people.

“On behalf of Catholic Education WA, I thank the foundation principal, Sandro Coniglio, foundation staff, school advisory council, the local community and other volunteers for their support in the lead up to the opening of Emmaus Catholic Primary School,” Mr Bull said.

“I wish the foundation students and staff of Emmaus all the very best for the year ahead.

“They will all have a special place in the school’s history and, no matter where the road leads from here, they will always be a part of the Catholic

Ellenbrook Parish Priest Fr Bonaventure Echeta, WA Education Minister Hon Dr Tony Buti, Emmaus CPS Deputy Principal Loretta Hackner, WA Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Emmaus Principal Sandro Coniglio, Catholic Education WA Commission Chair Eva Skira AM, Catholic Education Acting Executive Director, Wayne Bull and Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn at the opening and blessing of the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School, on Friday 17 February 2023. Photo: Matt Biocich/CEWA.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

education family,” he said.

Reflecting on the name of Emmaus, Archbishop Costelloe spoke about the Gospel reading chosen for the blessing and opening celebration, which tells of two of the disciples of Jesus who, so deeply disappointed and traumatised by the terrible suffering and death of Jesus, were basically running away from the place where these terrible things happened.

“Transforming discouragement into hope, sadness into joy, failure into success and fear into courage: these are exactly the aims that this school, through its principal and its dedicated staff, hopes to achieve for every student in this school and for every family which chooses to send its children to this school,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

For Christians, Archbishop Costelloe explained, this means that we really can afford to put our trust in God, make room for God in our lives, and allow God to help us to become the people he created us to be.

“People who are alive with the joy of living, eager to embrace the gifts with which God fills our lives and ready and willing to do our best to ensure that other people’s lives are better because we are part of them,” he said.

Catholic Education Commission WA Chair Eva Skira AM speaks at the opening and blessing of the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School Dayton, Friday 17 February. Photo: Matt Biocich/CEWA.

The Hon Dr Tony Buti, Emmaus Catholic Primary Principal Sandro Coniglio and the Hon Rita Saffioti speak with students following the opening of the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School in Dayton on Friday 17 February. Photo: Matt Biocich/CEWA.

Archbishop Costelloe SDB places a cross in a classroom at the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School in Dayton on Friday 17 February.

Photo: Matt Biocich/CEWA.

Archbishop Costelloe SDB blesses classrooms at the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School in Dayton on Friday 17 February. Photo: Matt Biocich/CEWA.

● CEWA Research and Planning Consultant Tanya Davies holds the branches used for the blessing of the classrooms at the new Emmaus Catholic Primary School Dayton, Friday 17 February. Photo: Matt Biocich/CEWA.

ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE: ASK GOD TO CONTINUE TO RAISE UP PEOPLE WHO HAVE HEARTS THAT DRIVE THEM TO REACH OUT WITH COMPASSION

Great works of mercy and charity begin from very simple and humble beginnings, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said as he joined with the St Patrick’s Community Support Centre –affectionately known as St Pat’s - in celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The occasion, on Thursday 1 December, was marked with a gathering of the St Pat’s community, as well as the launch of a commemorative book depicting stories and voices of 50 years of St Pat’s history.

In his speech for the occasion, Archbishop Costelloe

explained that 50 years ago, Br Ignatius Hannick OMI came across an elderly man under a tree, close to St Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle.

At the time, Fremantle, Archbishop Costelloe noted, had something of a rough reputation and had become a haven for people who in one way or another had been shunned or excluded from other parts of society.

“People who, in Pope Francis’ words, were on the margins - the sight of a homeless man would not have been all that uncommon,” Archbishop Costelloe highlighted.

St Pat’s CEO Michael Piu, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, St Pat’s Board Chair Dr Pat Colgan AM and Fremantle Parish Priest and Member, Board of Directors, Father John Sebastian OMI.

Photo: Supplied/St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.

WORDS Jamie O’Brien

“It seems, however, that there was something about this man which touched the heart of Brother Ignatius,” he said.

Archbishop Costelloe continued by explaining that Br Ignatius went back into the presbytery, gathered what was left over from the community meal, and took it out to give it to the man.

“It was not very long before Br Ignatius, with the help of the presbytery housekeeper, was regularly preparing up to 100 hampers to give people who would queue up on the presbytery veranda.”

St Patrick’s Community Support Centre CEO, Michael Piu, said it was wonderful to be able to celebrate and reflect on St Pat’s journey over the last 50 years with Archbishop Costelloe, Bishop Sproxton, and more than 100 guests at the Fremantle Basilica Parish Hall, where this story began.

“In particular, it was an important opportunity to pause to honour the memory and incredible legacy of Br Ignatius Hannick OMI, and the mission he founded in the spirit of the Oblate Charism, which has reached out to so many of those most poor and marginalised in our community over the years,” Mr Piu said.

“Many who attended played an important part in St Pat’s 50-year history, and indeed some had generously contributed to our oral history 50 Years of St Pat’s which was launched on the day, collecting personal reflections and anecdotes from various perspectives about St Pat’s and what it means to them,” Mr Piu continued.

Continuing his speech, Archbishop Costelloe highlighted three reasons for the special gathering on the occasion of the 50th anniversary.

“The first is to thank God first and foremost, and then all those who have allowed God to work through them for the last 50 years, for the healing of wounds and the warming of hearts which has changed and enrich the lives of so many,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“The second is that still today, people can come to have their wounds healed and their hearts warmed through their contact, not just with the services St Pat’s offers but more importantly, with the people who offer those services,” he said.

“And thirdly, to ask God to continue to raise up people who have eyes to see the needs of others, ears to hear their cries, and hearts that drive them to reach out with compassion, with tenderness and with care.”

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB speaks at the 50th anniversary of the St Pat’s Community Centre, Thursday 1 December.

Photo: Supplied/ St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.

St Pat’s CEO Michael Piu, Fremantle Parish Priest and Member, Board of Directors, Father John Sebastian OMI, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and St Pat’s Board Chair Dr Pat Colgan AM cut the cake for the 50th anniversary of St Patrick’s Community Support Centre on Thursday 1 December 2022. Photo: Supplied/ St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.

St Pat’s CEO Michael Piu, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and St Pat’s Board Chair Dr Pat Colgan AM on the occasion of the 50th anniversary St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, Thursday 1 December 2022. Photo: Supplied/ St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.

OYAKO DONBURI (Japanese Chicken Egg Rice Bowl)

RECIPE BY Michelle

Tan

INGREDIENTS

Serves 2

• ½ onion

• 1 spring onion

• 2 chicken thighs (approximately 250g)

• 1 tbsp cooking sake

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup chicken stock

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp mirin

• 2 tsp sugar

To Serve

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice

METHOD

1. In a bowl, combine chicken stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves.

2. Peel and slice the onion.

3. Thinly slice the spring onion and set aside.

4. Cut Chicken into 1-inch pieces and transfer into a bowl. Mix cooking sake with chicken pieces and set aside for 5 minutes.

5. In a different bowl, crack 4 eggs. Do not whisk eggs. Use a pair of chopsticks to lift eggs 6 times to gently break them into smaller clumps.

6. In a medium frying pan, add onions to form a single layer.

7. Add seasoning mixture and ensure it covers the onions. If not covered, swap to a smaller pan. Turn on the heat and bring the pan to a simmer.

8. Add chicken pieces and evenly distribute with onion slices.

9. When the mixture simmers, flip the chicken pieces to ensure it is cooked. Turn heat to low and cook until onions are tender.

10. Turn the heat up again to medium and while the liquid is simmering, drizzle half of the eggs in a circular pattern, avoiding the sides of the pan. When the eggs start to set, drizzle the rest of the egg mixture in the same pattern. Use chopsticks to gather the eggs in the middle of the simmering sauce. Turn off the heat while the eggs are just set but still runny.

11. Add thinly sliced Spring Onion into the mixture and remove from heat.

12. Serve cooked Japanese rice in two bowls and spoon the cooked mixture over the rice. Drizzle some of the additional sauce over the rice as desired.

DOWN

1 P rayer book

2 G od is the Supreme Being who ____ all things and keeps them in existence.

3 Religious instruction for converts (abbr.)

4 F irst sacrament received

5 To declare someone “Blessed”

6 P aul’s name, originally

7 C atholic university in Washington, DC

8 P rince of ____

14 T he Immaculate ____

15 C anonized one

17 T here are 7 mentioned in Revelation

21 “ No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s ____” (Jn 15:13)

22 J esus was crucified between two of these

25 S uperior of convent

26 ___ Catholic Church

28 “…is now, and ____ shall be…”

29 G eometric saint?

30 J esus turned water into wine here

ANSWERS

ACROSS

4 “O ut of the mouths of ____…” (Ps 8:3)

9 S on of Abraham

10 Administer extreme unction

11 Q ueen from this country came to hear Solomon speak

12 B ishop with no regional jurisdiction

13 P lague insects

16 J esus multiplied these

18 M onth of Mary

19 C ertain mount

20 ___ in the Garden

21 Tuesday (Mardi Gras)

23 Reader at Mass

24 Word of praise

27 S aint of Lisieux

29 S on of Isaac

31 “ It is not good for man to be ____” (Gn 2:18)

32 P atron saint of young girls

33 T hey were found in Juan Diego’s cape at Guadalupe