A Warm Welcome from The Dean
Pg 1
New Cathedral Pathway Dedicated to Archbishop Costelloe SDB Pg 2
Annual Catholic Education Commissioning Mass Pg 3
Knights of the Southern Cross Celebrate 100 years: Contribution to Catholic faith, life and culture Pg 4 Perth Ukrainian Catholic Priest joins Archbishop Costelloe for Ash Wednesday Celebrations Pg 6
Hundreds gather to support Ukraine: Archbishop composes special prayer Pg 7
Archbishop Welcomes Ukrainian Bishop to St Mary’s Cathedral Pg 8
Courage of candidates a reminder of the gift of faith Pg 10 Celebrating Holy Week at St Mary’s Cathedral Pg 11
Forthcoming activities and events at St Mary’s Cathedral.
18 Jul 6:00pm University of Notre Dame Graduation Mass
21 Jul 10:00am Opening Mass for the 33rd Annual Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools & Colleges
24 Jul 11:00am Orchestral Mass 2022
26 Jul 6:00pm Secondary Sacred Choral Section
7 Aug 3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration
13 Aug 4:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass
18 Aug 9:30am Agencies Thanksgiving Mass
20 Aug 10:00am Archdiocesan Marriage Mass
28 Aug 2:00pm Cathedral Concert with UWA Choral Society
4 Sep 11:00am Mass with Admission of Choristers
4 Sep 3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration
10 Sep 4:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass
11 Sep 11:00am Child Protection Sunday Mass
11 Sep 2:30pm Ave Maria Recital
18 Sep 11:00am Confirmation Mass 18 Sep 2:30pm Chaplain's Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service 23 Sep 9:30am Mercedes College Mercy Day Mass 2 Oct 3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration 8 Oct 4:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass 14 Oct 5:00pm Knights of the Holy Sepulchre Vigil Service 15 Oct 10:00am Knights of the Holy Sepulchre Investiture Mass 16 Oct 5:00pm Aboriginal Sunday Mass 20 Oct 5:30pm Corpus Christi Graduation Mass 21 Oct 6:30pm Matter Dei College Graduation Mass
Nov 7:30pm Archbishop's Liturgical Launch Christmas Appeal for LifeLink 2022
Nov 11:00am Mass for Catenians
Nov 3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration
Nov 4:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass
Nov 5:00pm Divine Mercy College Graduation Mass
Nov 12:10pm Mass for Deceased Priests
St Mary’s Cathedral Perth is many things to many people.
During a solemn Mass a few weeks ago, my gaze was drawn to the back of the Cathedral, to the area near the Baptismal Font. Into the Cathedral, alive with a large congregation and with music, came someone in a hospital gown seated in a wheelchair pushed by family members. They stood at the back awhile, lit a candle and then left. I wondered what they made of all that was going on around them and why they had come.
Many such moments occur during the week. People of faith or none, undergoing treatment for illnesses minor, or major, making their way across from RPH to pause a moment in the Cathedral. Sometimes we hear from them of the little bit of peace and hope they experience in the beauty of the space which speaks of transcendence and faith. The stewardship of the Cathedral belongs to all of us, and it is a Grace and privilege. Thank you for playing your part.
The building would be a dead thing without the people who pray in it, serve in it, work in it. I was reminded of this recently by one of our dedicated receptionists. She was joyful because a ‘client’ had turned a corner on his journey; he had been coming to the office regularly for three years to receive one of our food bags and to have a chat. She would listen, encourage and support him.
Why the joy? Because this man had recently found a job, a home and reconnected with family members. Who would not share his joy? This too is part of the privilege of stewardship, to be able to support and accompany people who walk with us awhile. You will not find a photo of this man in the Cathedral magazine, but he is as much a part of the story of the Cathedral, as are all the other wonderful celebrations which have taken place in St Mary’s.
The Cathedral has been able to continue this important work through the very difficult times we have been through because of the support of parishioners, friends and benefactors. COVID 19 has disrupted all our lives, but so many of you have continued to support the work of the Cathedral so that we could continue to hold the light of faith, hope and love in this glorious space.
We want to continue to be a space where all are welcome for all are truly welcome here.
May God bless you and yours.
Your brother in Christ
St Mary’s Cathedral newly completed pathway project included a surprise dedication to Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, in recognition of his tenth anniversary of appointment as Archbishop of Perth which was celebrated on 20 February 2022.
Cathedral Dean, Father Sean Fernandez, said the footpath project was a long-held wish of Emeritus Archbishop Hickey to provide parishioners better access to and from the above ground carpark.
“We started planning for this project two years ago. It commenced last year and was brought to completion by Colgan Industries. The coat of arms was added after the footpath was finished as the final touch to the project.
I had the idea for the coat of arms as a way of marking changes and additions to the Cathedral and helping us place them in time. I also thought it enhanced the beauty of what is an ordinary addition to our beautiful church."
The addition of the coat of arms came as something of a surprise to Archbishop Costelloe, and it was fitting to have it installed in his tenth year as Archbishop of Perth. We were happy to have something in stone to mark this milestone and to help celebrate the Archbishop’s leadership of the diocese in challenging times.
Colgan Industries Construction Manager James Mason commended first year apprentice Rebecca Wiley, for her artistry on the coat of arms logo, and Dorothy Colgan who painted the piece.
Archbishop Costelloe’s coat of arms include the words ‘’Via et veritas et vita’’ – a Latin phrase meaning “the way and the truth and the life”. The words are taken from Vulgate version of John 14:6 and were spoken by Jesus Christ who was describing Himself.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB warmly welcomed principals, teachers and staff members to the Annual Commissioning Mass for Catholic Schools.
Celebrated by His Grace, the Mass was concelebrated by Vicar General Father Peter Whitely VG, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, Father Vincent Glynn and St Mary’s Cathedral Dean Very Rev Sean Fernandez.
• Hon Sue Ellery MLC, Minister for Education and Training;
• Ms Donna Plummer, Senior Policy Adviser for the Minister for Education and Training;
• Mr Daniel Lynch, Executive Director, Office of the Archbishop;
• Mr Chris Ellison, Chancellor, The University of Notre Dame;
• Prof Selma Alliex, Pro Vice Chancellor, Student Experience, The University of Notre Dame;
• Ms Siobhan Allen, Executive Director, Catholic School Parents WA Inc;
• Dr Debra Sayce, Executive Director, Catholic Education Western Australia Limited;
• Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia members
• Ms Donella Brown, Ms Margaret Collins, Mr Jonathon Woolfrey and Mr Peter Yensch.
• Catholic Education Western Australia Limited Executive Members:
• Mr Wayne Bull, Deputy Executive Director;
• Ms Mandy Connor, Director Teaching and Learning;
• Rev Mark Powell, Director Religious Education;
• Dr Tony Curry, Director Leadership and Employee Services and
• Dr Glennda Scully, Director Finance, Infrastructure and Digital Technology.
Dr Debra Sayce, Catholic Education Western Australia Limited, Executive Director, in her Address said:
“As we take our first steps into 2022, it is important that we take the time to acknowledge everyone who is engaged in the vocation of education. Teachers, education assistants, school leaders, administration staff, and everyone else who is helping keep our school running day-to-day are very much essential workers.
“Over the last couple of years, children and young people have been living, growing and learning in an environment where confusion, conflict and various narratives around the COVID-19 pandemic have been dominating public discourse. Students themselves have been making sense of a serious public health issue and the responses to it, while also observing how adults at home, at school, and in the media have engaged with it. All children and young people need trusted adults and older peers in their lives, and very often these people include their teachers and other school staff.
“This year, more than ever, we will be called to live our Gospel values, to be Christ-centred and child-focused. This perspective needs to be reflected in teaching and learning, and in strengthening positive relationships with colleagues, students and families.
“Thank you for choosing to serve your students and your school, and in turn to be an important member of the broader Catholic education community. In giving witness to God’s love and the person of Jesus as you commit yourself to your school today, may you find joy and fulfilment as you see your students flourish with your support and encouragement.”
Mr Wayne Bull, Catholic Education Western Australia Limited, Deputy Executive Director, said: “Archbishop Costelloe and our concelebrating priests, I thank you for celebrating Mass with us today. I thank the Honourable Sue Ellery MLC, Minister for Education and Training, for demonstrating your commitment to Catholic education by joining us today.
“I also acknowledge the members of the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia joining us today. The time and expertise that you commit to the governance and improvement of our system benefits over 74,000 students across our State and we join them in gratitude of your service.
“Thank you to our principals and school leadership teams for your attendance and continued dedication. As a former principal I know how vital, yet challenging your work can sometimes be, particularly in the face of our ever-changing times at present.
“Finally, thank you to all staff joining or returning to a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Perth.”
Archbishop Costelloe has previously spoken of his memories as an Altar server at his home parish in Melbourne, where the positive influence of a friendly Assistant Priest indirectly guided the Archbishop to join the priesthood.
Having great mentors to aspire to, he said, is imperative to shaping the lives of students.
“The chance that you, as people who work in Catholic schools, will have a significant and even determining influence on the future of the young people with whom and for whom you work is very real.
Teachers are entrusted with a daunting responsibility – albeit an enormous privilege – when influencing one’s educational path from pre-primary to the end of secondary. Not only with their intellectual formation, but with their physical well-being and development, their social and emotional growth and, in our Catholic schools, their spiritual and religious formation as well,” said His Grace.
The Knights of the Southern Cross Western Australia joyously commemorated a history of immense contribution in West Australia at the Order’s Centennial Mass and Celebration at St Mary’s Cathedral.
“One hundred years ago, when the Knights of the Southern Cross were established in Australia, the social and religious context in which the Catholic Church found itself was very different to that of today,” said Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB to the gathered Knights, family and invited guests.
“We are all aware, for example, of the fact that so many job advertisements at that time included the phrase ‘Catholics need not apply’. It was in the context of this challenging social and religious environment that the Knights of the Southern Cross was formed to provide support, encouragement and fraternity for Catholics and to stand up for the rights and teachings of the Church.
Yet, although in many ways it was a bleak time for Catholics, it was nonetheless a time when Catholics and other Christians, who together formed the vast majority of the Australian population, at least shared the same fundamental moral values,” said His Grace.
The Knights were instrumental in bringing about ecumenical cooperation through their pursuit of goals that fostered clear social benefits for West Australians such as their involvement in the Bushies Scheme, which transported children from the country to regional centres for religious education.
KSCWA Member and Southern Cross Care Board Member Thomas Seeber introduces Supreme Knight of Australia, Dr George Sekulla.
KSCWA Chaplain, Rev Fr Patrick Toohey, proclaims the Gospel during the Mass.
During the post WWII period, the Knights established the Catholic Welfare Organisation, whose successor, Catholic Social Services Australia, now oversees some 45 Catholic welfare agencies.
Similarly, The Parents and Friends Federation of Western Australia Inc. was founded by the Knights in 1954, when 14 Parents and Friends’ Associations were united as a Federation to lobby the government for funding Catholic education. By 1955, 28 schools were affiliated, and in 2022, the Federation now represents the parents of over 74,000 students in Catholic schools across the state.
Seeing a deep need for residential care amongst elderly West Australians, the Knights established Southern Cross Care in 1966, surviving the “post-Vatican II slump” through the financial support of such initiatives, an insistence on the family as the fundamental unit of society, and an ecumenical defence of Christian values. They spearheaded the efforts which saw the gradual breakdown of sectarianism during the 60s and 70s.
In modern times, Southern Cross Care, expanded their efforts from residential care to affordable home care and independent living.
The Knights have also become champions of Catholic Education in WA, through their support of the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, and their generous work granting scholarships for religious education through the KSC Education Foundation.
“For the last 100 years the Knights of the Southern Cross have been known for their commitment to the faith and for their fidelity to the Lord and to His Church.
At a time of great challenge and trial for the Church which we all love and to which we are so privileged to belong, it is my earnest prayer and plea that you all renew your determination to continue along the path of faith and service as the Knights continue to be signs and bearers of the Lord’s love for his people,”
Following Mass, the Knights celebrated Founders Day that acknowledges members who have dedicated 25 or 50 years to the Order. The function was held at the Westin Hotel and of the 15 eligible members, eight were able to receive their certificates in person.
Former KSC WA State Chairman John Dwyer reads the prayers of the faithful with fellow Knights.
Perth Ukrainian Catholic Parish Priest, Father Ihor Holovko, joined Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB for this year’s Ash Wednesday Mass marking the beginning of the season of Lent.
At the beginning of Mass, Archbishop Costelloe reminded the congregation of the call by Pope Francis to make Ash Wednesday a day of special prayer and fasting in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to pray for the gift of peace.
Speaking about the conflict in Ukraine, Archbishop Costelloe first highlighted that as the first reading says, our God is a God of tenderness and compassion.
“The images on our television screens of fathers, and some mothers, tenderly and tearfully kissing their young children goodbye as the adults prepare to defend their country, precisely for the sake of their children’s future, remind us, too, that tenderness and compassion are not signs of weakness but of courage and strength.
We pray that the God of tenderness will give courage and strength to those whose lives and freedoms are under attack,” he said.
At the end of Mass, Father Ihor thanked everyone for the support for the people of Ukraine which has been so evident, not only in the Catholic community, but in the wider community of Perth and Western Australia.
Father Ihor spoke of the deep sadness of his people and of the horror which is being visited upon them and asked for continued prayers, not only for the end of the war, but for the restoration of peace.
Led by the Ukrainian Association of Western Australia Inc. some 350 people listened to words of support from several Federal and State Ministers. Those in attendance included:
• Minister for Finance, Racing and Gaming, Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, Hon Dr Tony Buti,
• Shadow Minister for State Development; Energy; Hydrogen; Science; Innovation and ICT; Water, Dr David Honey MLA,
• Government Whip in the Senate, Senator Dean Smith,
• Deputy Chair of Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests, Senator Patrick Gorman MP,
• Federal Member for Moore, Ian Goodenough MP,
• Federal Member for Stirling Vince Connelly MP,
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, Jessica Stojkovski MLA,
• Member for Mount Lawley, Simon Millman MLA and
• Member for Darling Range, John Hughes MLA.
United States of America, Germany, Estonia, the People’s Republic of China, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Poland, Malta, North Macedonia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Kazakhstan and Austria.
WA Leader of the Opposition, Dr David Honey MLA, speaks at the community prayer service. PHOTO: MATT JELONEK Children wave a Ukrainian flag at the service. PHOTO: MATT JELONEKApprox. 350 people, many originally from Ukraine, gathered on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral to listen to words of support for Ukraine
In a letter to parishes in March, Archbishop Costelloe said that conscious of the teaching of Saint Paul “to pray without ceasing” (1Thess 5:17) and of the words of Jesus Himself instructing us to “ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be open to you” (Matt 7:7) he encouraged people to pray for peace in Ukraine.
“And for all those in that country, and beyond, who in so many different ways are enduring great suffering at this time,” Archbishop Costelloe said. The Archbishop also composed a special prayer with the sincere hope it would be prayed at all Masses that weekend.
Archbishop Costelloe wrote that the Ukrainian Catholic Church Parish Priest, Fr Ihor Holovko, and the Ukrainian Catholic community here in Perth are very grateful for our support and our prayers.
“Thank you to all of you who have reached out to Fr Ihor and his community at this time. Let us continue to support them in every way we can,” said the Archbishop.
Hundreds gathered on Sunday 6 March on the grounds of St Mary’s Cathedral in a show of solidarity and to pray for the people of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Association of Western Australia Inc. President Mykola Mowczan said that without support Ukraine stands no chance against one of the biggest military powers in the world.
“We applaud the decision made by the Government to fast-track visas for people seeking refuge in Australia, I believe up to 1000 people are already heading towards our shores.
I thank everyone who has uttered a kind word, those that have wanted to help with orphans and resettle families, who have donated money. It does not matter what – it all counts because you cared enough to stop and do it and for that everyone in Ukraine thanks you and we thank you.
My parents, like many of yours had the opportunity to migrate to Australia after World War II and later, after the Ukrainian independence in 1991, many Ukrainians migrated to Australia to make a better life for their families.
The Australian-Ukrainian Community are in shock and disbelief because our families, our friends are being killed and separated from one another, huddle in basements, in underground train tunnels, flee to neighbouring countries, not to mention the elderly and infirmed who can’t move to safety,” said Mr Mowczan.
from Federal and State Ministers. PHOTO: BOHDAN WARCHOMIJ
The Eparch for Ukrainians in Australia, New Zealand
and Perth Ukrainian Catholic Parish Priest
Ihor Holovko
Bishop Donald Sproxton just days after Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine “to the Immaculate
of our all Holy Lady, the Theotokos and ever Virgin Mary, just as Our Lady requested at Fatima over 100 years ago, in her prayer for the conversion of Russia.”
Bishop Mykola was in Perth on a two week visit, having travelled across the country to connect with the Ukranian Catholic communities.
In his Homily, Bishop Mykola gave thanks to God for the opportunity to be with the Perth community and pray together for peace in Ukraine “as she faces the highest evil of war, violence and hostility from an enemy who is deaf to all pleas for peace, and makes war against a peaceful neighbour, Ukraine, who has done her no wrong, and has all the goodwill toward her.
A dedicated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy to intercede with Pope Francis’ intentions for world peace and security in Ukraine was held at St Mary’s Cathedral in March. and Oceania, Ukrainian Catholic Church Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR Father joined Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Auxiliary Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church Bishop Mykola Bychok prays the Introductory Rites during the Divine Liturgy (left) Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and (right) Bishop Don Sproxton.“Ukraine is not Russia’s enemy. Please pray for Ukraine as she passes through this terrible trial and suffering. We Christians are during great Lent, which is a special time of God’s mercy for us. The Great and Holy fast gives each of us a good opportunity to work on ourselves and rethink the direction of our lives,” Bishop Mykola said.
“In the sacred tradition of the holy Eastern churches, the third Sunday of Lent is dedicated to the adoration of the Holy Cross. During the Liturgy, the Holy Cross is solemnly brought in procession from the altar on a tray of flowers and placed amidst the congregation. That we may pay homage to the symbol of our salvation reverencing the Cross by prostrating before it and kissing it. Let us talk briefly today about the meaning the Cross should have in our daily lives,” he added. Bishop Mykola said that the Cross, is an integral symbol of our faith, and a pledge that “God will go through the uttermost for us, He will never wash His hands of us or leave us to perish.”
“The Cross speaks, it says, this is how much God loves and cares. He cares so much that He gives His only Son to die for our sins. It says again, greater love has no one than these than that a man lay down his life for his friends. It speaks of the limitless love of God, which will not cease to love, even when crucified,” Bishop Mykola stated.
“...There is always the Cross and pain and there is no life lived on earth without pain and suffering, to a greater or lesser degree. And you don’t have to think that this is present only in the great trials and tribulations that come into our lives from time to time. Suffering and pain are present also in the less dramatic aspects of life.”
“Life is not always perfect or always pleasant. There will always be challenges and patience is always needed. The good news is to follow Jesus, not with Him, not before Him, but after Him in His footsteps. This is the very meaning of being a disciple. We are followers of the Lord, who is the one who marks the path in which we must follow.
“The Holy Cross is the very symbolic symbol of patience. Christ endures all things, even death on the cross. In one sense, death seems to prevail. When Christ the light is extinguished on the cross, death seems victorious, but in the mystery of the empty tomb death is swallowed by the victory of life risen from the dead.
“The Cross is therefore also a symbol of the victory of life, over death,” said Bishop Mykola.
The courage of candidates who receive the Rite of Election is a reminder of the wonderful gift of faith which we as Catholics can often take for granted said Perth Archbishop Costelloe SDB at the Rite of Election celebration in March this year.
“Your presence here tonight, and your ongoing presence in the local Catholic community of which you will become a part, will be a powerful reminder to us of just how important faith is. Your faith will strengthen ours and this can’t help but make our witness to the world in which we all live so much more powerful and credible,” said the Archbishop.
This year, 21 parishes across the Archdiocese welcomed 48 catechumens (those who are not baptised) and 39 candidates (those already baptised in a Christian denomination) who have been journeying for several months praying and discerning through prayer whether they can commit themselves to a new way of life within the Catholic Church.
Concelebrants for the celebration included Vicar General and Vicar for Effective Communications and Archdiocesan Growth and Development Fr Peter Whitely, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation Fr Vincent Glynn and St Mary’s Cathedral Dean, Rev Dr Sean Fernandez.
Director for the Office of Christian Initiation, Dr Carmel Suart, said that the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process does not happen in parishes without the love, dedication, and pastoral care of the RCIA Teams and the support from the Parish Priest.
Celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass, Archbishop Costelloe SDB said: “In Jesus we see what a life lived with real integrity, faithfulness and constancy looks like. We see, in other words, realised in one concrete life, the full living out of God’s dream for us all”
The Chrism Mass saw more than 120 Archdiocesan and Bishop Don Sproxton for the Blessing of the three and Oil of the Chrism. The Holy Oils are used in Parishes and the Anointing of the Sick.
Archbishop Costelloe addressing the congregation said: they made at the time of their ordination, please pray us be the priests God has called us to be. Remind us humility, in obedience, and in generous self-sacrifice living images of the one who is the face of the Father’s in need of compassion, of forgiveness, of understanding
At the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday, His Grace said: “Our faith is a precious gift, given to us, not for ourselves alone, but so that we might be signs and bearers of the love of Christ to and for others.”
said: “Tonight, as your priests renew the commitments pray for them – pray for us – for we need you to help us that we are called to live, in imitation of Christ, in self-sacrifice for your sake. Remind us that we are called to be Father’s mercy. But remember, too, that we, like you, are understanding and of patience.”
Following the Stations of the Cross, at the Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Archbishop Costelloe invited the congregation to remember the image of Mary at the foot of the Cross, “which invites us to remember, and to pray for, all those mothers who are grieving the loss of their sons and daughters, of their husbands, and of their brothers and sisters, in the dreadful conflict which is engulfing Ukraine,” he said.
Archdiocesan priests joined Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB three Holy Oils - Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick Parishes for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation
Speaking at the Easter Vigil at 7.30pm and then the Easter Sunday Mass at 11.00am, Archbishop Costelloe exclaimed: “Today we can, and we should, be beside ourselves with joy because we know that we can now, because of the resurrection of Jesus, entrust ourselves and everything and everyone that matters to us, to God.”
The gift of life was celebrated on the Feast of the Annunciation as people gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral Perth to observe the Day of the Unborn Child.
The Mass, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, was coordinated by Perth-based life-affirming organisation, Pregnancy Assistance Inc and was first established by St John Paul II to mark the day Jesus Christ became a tiny unborn child in His mother’s womb.
Pregnancy Assistance Counsellor, Lisette Jas, said the celebration is a remembrance of the dignity of the unborn. “We celebrate the sacredness of all human life, and we pray for hope and healing for men and women who have lost a child through abortion. We offer the assurance of God’s infinite mercy.”
During the Mass the congregation honoured all the babies who are not with us, but are loved and not forgotten by putting a flower in the baskets placed on the Altar.
Approximately 1500 people seek support annually from Pregnancy Assistance. The organisation is credited as a safe space in which loss and grief is validated, and unconditional love and support is offered. Based in East Perth, the organisation primarily works with mothers who are pregnant and (due to life’s circumstances) find themselves facing a difficult choice whether to keep their baby, as well as providing support for fathers, who can also find themselves feeling alone and isolated.
St Mary’s Cathedral was delighted to welcome students from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) for their concert which this year was entitled “Coronation and Fantasia”.
Since 2013, WAAPA has been performing at our magnificent Cathedral. This year’s concert had a special feeling about it as the more than 350 guests gathered - COVID restrictions free – to sing and enjoy the wonderful gift of music. A number of the audience members and performers alike mentioned that it was good to be ‘getting back to normal’.
Jacinta Jakovcevic, Director of Music for St Mary’s Cathedral said “The programme primarily featured WAAPA’s classical vocal students singing Mozart’s Coronation Mass and works by Herbert Howells. It’s always educational for the students to experience singing a sacred work written by the young Mozart in the Cathedral – it’s a building fairly similar in many ways to the Cathedral in Salzburg where Mozart was employed in his earlier years as music director where he wrote much of the sacred music for its Liturgies.
In fact, when he wrote the Coronation Mass, he was around the same age as the young vocal students who sang at this concert – a true inspiration for our young composition students,” said Jacinta.
The audience was also treated to a piece by 20th century composer Anton Webern, played by a group of string students from WAAPA. The beautiful music reverberated throughout the Cathedral and the audience enjoyed the experience of some of these masterworks of our own time being played.
Volunteers share in the very Spirit of God, reaching out to others to impart – and at the same time discover – that in the love of God, we are never truly alone.
This message was part of a homily delivered by Bishop Don Sproxton at a special Mass to mark National Volunteer Week (16 – 22 May) – a Mass attended by volunteers from parishes and Catholic organisations throughout Perth.
The Church in Australia, Bishop Sproxton noted in his homily, employs 220,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the country, but it’s true reach could only be measured by including the many people who gave of their time voluntarily to help their fellow humans in need.
“You can see what a mighty impact our people have on the life of this country. Today, in this Eucharist, we are honouring those who among us give of their time, and give in many, many ways to those in our society who are in need…and the need might not just be material – the need, many times, is that need of friendship," said Bishop Don.
Bishop Sproxton prayed a prayer of blessing for all volunteers at the conclusion of the liturgy.
Attendees also had the opportunity to pick up a copy of the ‘Volunteer Handbook’, published by Catholic Social Services Western Australia (CSSWA), detailing how someone might get involved in volunteering for a Catholic agency or outreach in Perth.
The booklet includes details of 24 member organisations whose volunteers are doing good works throughout the community – works around homelessness, migration, companionship, fighting human trafficking, and bettering human and environmental ecology, among many others.
The volunteer handbook is available from CSSWA at csswa@perthcatholic.org.au or 9220 5950.
The Mass was attended by dignitaries and members of the Italian community in Perth.
Italian Australians gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for this annual Mass to pray for God’s blessings on their continued development as a vibrant community in Perth. Associations and clubs from throughout the city joined Cathedral Dean, Fr Sean Fernandez, in a celebration enhanced by colourful regalia and the presence of two Carabinieri – Italian officers of law – in full ceremonial dress, and the presence of the Consul of Italy in Western Australia, representing the Italian Government.
The annual celebration was timed to coincide with Italy’s national day, the Festa della Repubblica, on 2 June. The day marks 76 years since Italy voted to become a republic and 66 years since the Italo-Australian Welfare & Cultural Centre (IAWCC), which organised the Mass, was established in Perth.
IAWCC President, Enzo Sirna, said the organisation was happy to coordinate the celebration.
“The Mass has always been a very strong and valued tradition in our community, and we feel there is a connection with the Cathedral. The Italian community put in a lot of effort and fundraising for the Cathedral development project, including funding from IAWCC for the Baptismal Font, so having Mass here is very special for us,” he said.
The IAWCC established the first aged home for Italians in Australia in the early 1970s and continues to provide residential and in-home care support for Italian Australians. The contemporary organisation teaches Italian language and culture to more than 10,000 students in Perth, most of them in Catholic primary schools, as well as nurturing ItalianAustralian business connections and maintaining strong links with the Italian Consulate.
As the impacts of civil war, poverty and famine continue to wreak havoc on his country, the leader of the Ethiopian Catholic Church says a brighter future is being forged with the help of Catholics in Australia.
The Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, preached at the Vigil Feast of Pentecost, as part of his visit to Australia to thank people for their ongoing support of the Church’s efforts to improve the lives of her fellow Ethiopians.
“Education is very important; education is the key to coming out of poverty,” Archbishop Berhaneyesus told the gathering at the Mass, which was concelebrated by Cathedral priest, Fr Israel Quirit.
“That is the belief of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia. That is why we have many schools, especially in the countryside, especially where many do not get the possibility to go to school.”
While comprising less than two per cent of the country’s 115 million population – Orthodox Christians and Muslims make up 45 and 30 per cent, respectively – the Ethiopian Catholic Church operates more than 430 mostly regional schools, a number second only to those run by the government.
“Many of our schools are dedicated to the education of girls because they also do not get the opportunities and many experience the terrible, terrible pangs of poverty in the countryside, especially women,” said the Cardinal.
Cardinal Berhaneyesus is also no stranger to tribulation, having once been incarcerated in 1979 for a period of seven months – one of which was spent in solitary confinement – by the reigning Marxist government. Some years later, when the Marxist government had been deposed, the then Fr Berhaneyesus visited his one-time persecutor in jail, inspired by the witness of Saint John Paul II, offering him forgiveness and to advocate for his release, an offer that was gratefully accepted.
The Cardinal was a guest in Australia of Catholic Mission which has supported the Church’s work in providing emergency food relief, as well as by providing training for local families and promoting income generation.
More than 100,000 Ethiopians, most of them female domestic workers, have in recent months been deported back to the country from the Middle East where many suffered inhumane working conditions.
As part of the local response to Refugee Week, some 45 Ukrainian nationals attended a special morning tea at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Centre. Most of the new arrivals are seeking asylum in Australia and hope to receive legal status as refugees in the next few months.
The event was organised by the WA Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO) and thanks to the generosity of the Cathedral Parish and Cathedral Dean, Fr Sean Fernandez. WACMRO Director, Deacon Greg Lowe praised the Federal Government for creating a simple process to enable displaced persons from Ukraine to receive legal status as refugees.
“While they wait for asylum to be granted, numerous supports have also been made available. This will reduce the stress levels, enabling them to process and come to terms with what has happened to them,” he said.
As part of the morning tea, WACMRO partnered with Red Cross to present information to the newly arrived displaced persons regarding the options available to them while their refugee status is being decided. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic community acted as interpreters for the event including, St John the Baptist Maylands Parish Priest, Fr Ihor Holovko and the Community Liaison Officer, Lynette Paraszczyn.
Asylum seeker and interpreter, Ilina, highlighted that the morning tea provided useful and important information. “This makes us feel welcomed,” she said.
The morning finished with a request from the group for further information sessions.
Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Charles Balvo, recently visited the Archdiocese of Perth and Western Australia for the first time since his appointment earlier this year.
Archbishop Balvo is travelling around Australia to meet with Catholics from all the different walks of life. He was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB who said, “we are very grateful that you are able to come and spend some time with us and we hope you feel at home here.”
Speaking to a packed Cathedral, His Excellency Archbishop Balvo commented that St Mary’s Cathedral was beautiful and luminous with so much natural light and that he was fascinated by the electronic pulpit. “I have never seen before that you can raise the whole [lectern], up and down, I could play with it, you know, like a little child,” he chuckled, drawing warm laughter from the congregation.
Archbishop Balvo shared that during the 35 years in which he has worked in the diplomatic service of the Holy See, he spent three years in Amman as well as having had the opportunity to go to Jerusalem on a number of occasions. Those trips to Jerusalem, he highlighted, reminded him of Psalm 122. “I rejoiced when they said to me, let us go up to the House of the Lord. And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.”
“Jerusalem was the City of the Holy of Holies, the place of encounter with God. It was a unique place and still is a unique place. Jewish families like that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke, they regularly went up to Jerusalem on pilgrimage.
“In today’s Gospel, Jesus was determined to journey to Jerusalem, and this was a decisive moment in His life. It is where He begins His last journey to Jerusalem, the city of the prophets, the Holy city, the place in which the great and redemptive event would take place of His suffering, His death, and then His resurrection, which is that saving event for us.
“It is in Jerusalem where the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin received the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is also from Jerusalem, that the Gospel goes out to all of the world, to all of the corners of the earth. This teaches us that we should focus attention on the commitment that has to be made – a commitment to be a disciple of Jesus and to embark on the mission of preaching the Gospel,” said Archbishop Balvo.
Archbishop Balvo said that there were two points which stood out. God will not always be favourably received. The second point is that the difficulties experienced in the mission of preaching the Gospel can be discouraging and can tempt one to look back toward the past rather than forward to the future.
“We know from our experience that people are often inclined to stay with what is familiar even if it's difficult and negative, rather than to take a risk for the future. The Gospel points out that Jesus resolutely determined to go to Jerusalem even though He knew that this would mean His eventual suffering and death. But then these will be followed by His rising from the dead because in Christ, life triumphs over death.
“This same message, this same reality is valid for us. We have responded to the call of Jesus to follow Him. We have accepted the kingdom and the mission to preach the Gospel. So, there can be no looking back to the life that we gave upa life of slavery to selfishness and to sin.
“We have known God's grace, a new life given to us in the sacraments, so we don't want to return to whatever life we had before that. Like Jesus, we are called to make the resolute decision and the firm commitment to give witness to the Gospel, not to look back at what was, but to look forward with confidence to what can be.
“In the year 2025, there will be another Holy Year. And of this, Pope Francis said, we must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and a farsighted vision.”
Archbishop Balvo meets and greets members of the congregation after the Mass.
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