St Charles Seminary 80th Anniversary

St Charles' Seminary

80th Anniversary

St Charles' Seminary

80th Anniversary

80th Anniversary, St Charles' Seminary

St Charles' Chapel, 1954.

Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

One of the first tasks for the newly appointed inaugural Rector of St Charles' Seminary, Dr Launcelot Goody, was to visit each of the parishes to explain why a seminary was going to be opened in the Archdiocese. He also began inviting secondary students to consider completing their studies at St Charles and to begin discerning, if they felt called to the priesthood.

The doors of the seminary were opened in 1942. It was fortunate that the property known as Garden Hill in Guildford had become available and that Archbishop Redmond Prendiville (Archbishop of Perth from 1935 to 1968) had successfully purchased it with the assistance of Bishop James O'Collins (Bishop of Geraldton from 1930 to 1941). A few modifications to the homestead made it possible for the first students to move in and commence their scholastic year.

The seminary was entrusted to the Vincentian Fathers in 1948 who taught secondary students and seminarians who had commenced their three-year course in philosophy and sundry introduction courses in scripture and church documents. Nineteen seventy-five saw the conclusion of the Vincentian involvement and the next year a small group of young men began their formation under Fr Jim O’Brien, before being sent to Adelaide to continue their studies. The seminary in Perth was closed but was opened five years later as a vocational discernment residence under the guidance of Fr Bryan Rosling. Our seminarians

were sent to St Francis Xavier Seminary in Adelaide for the next 17 years. St Charles' Seminary reopened in 1994, thankfully because Notre Dame University had decided to bring forward their plans to establish the Schools of Philosophy and Theology. I imagine some of the reasons for opening the seminary that Dr Goody explained to the people of the Archdiocese in 1941 were just as relevant in 1994.

The presence of a seminary in a diocese is incredibly important as it always keeps a focus on the need for priestly vocations to be promoted. The seminarian while training in his diocese can engage with the priests and local people with whom and for whom he will hopefully serve. He will have the chance to gain a broader understanding of the complexity of the local church and what will be asked of him to bring the Gospel to the people. Above all, he can grow in love for his brothers and sisters in the faith, and for people who are searching for truth and ultimately for God.

In these eighty years, we have seen great changes in the Archdiocese, and in the presbyterate. The opening of St Charles meant that more local men were formed and ordained, who worked alongside the large number Irish born priests of the Archdiocese. The numbers of priests coming from Ireland began to diminish but the locally born priests increased. As the Archdiocese became more multicultural, so did the priesthood with some being trained at St Charles and others coming from their homelands to join the presbyterate of Perth.

St Charles' Seminary has served us so well and continues to be a blessing to our local church. My hope is that many more will be called to try their vocation at our seminary and, with the help of God, be formed for the service of our people.

Bishop Donald Sproxton

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth

Reflection on St Charles' Seminary, Guildford

The decision for the Diocese of Geraldton, together with the Archdiocese of Perth, to open St Charles' Seminary in Guildford in the middle of the Second World War was an act of great Faith and hope. The local seminary enabled local men to discern their call and study in the state of Western Australia supported by the local Catholic community.

The first priest who studied at the seminary was Fr Harold Middleton, ordained by Bishop Gummer in Kalgoorlie on the 31st of July 1949 for the Diocese of Geraldton. Fr Harry served many parishes in our Diocese faithfully for many years until retirement. He died in Geraldton on the 18th January 2003. Those who attended St Charles' Seminary, including myself, valued the opportunity to be closer to their homes and their families, even if visiting times and outings were restricted in the early days of the seminary. The ‘homegrown’ seminary was greatly valued, in that you were closer to

home not having to travel interstate in the first years of formation. For all of us, St Charles was a place where we discovered and deepened our call to serve as priests or to journey in a different direction as an active layman in the local church.

May St Charles' Seminary continue to be a place of discernment in the years to come, where young men can go to discover and learn, through discernment, their journey to the Ministerial Priesthood.

Bishop Michael Morrissey

Bishop Michael Morrissey, Bishop of Geraldton

St Charles' Seminary has been pivotal in the life of the Diocese of Bunbury over many, many years.  The seminary has contributed greatly to the grounding, teaching and spiritual formation of its seminarians.

The diocese also has the distinction that its founding bishop, the then Bishop Lancelot Goody, was also the founding rector of the seminary.

As a small rural diocese we are so very grateful for the seminarians we have entrusted to St Charles and the faithful priests they have become right up to this present day.

Bishop Gerard J Holohan

Welcome to St Charles' Seminary!

As we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of St Charles' Seminary it is an opportunity to reflect on all those who have been part the history of the seminary.

Many people have contributed to the life of the seminary over the years, formators, staff and seminarians. Each will have experienced their time at the seminary in different ways, some as a time of happiness, others struggle, and some will look back with a sense regret. Yet, with all these emotions, the time at the seminary will have made changes in our personal journey that will have given us a particular path in life.

As we look to the future, may we all have a role within the seminary community: supporting and fostering vocations, being part of a wider seminary community that has a major role within the archdiocese, and praying for those who risk all for God.

With thanks and blessings to the many people who have been part of the seminary journey and continue to journey with us.

Fr Phillip Fleay, Rector of St Charles' Seminary

Bishop Gerard J Holohan, Bishop of Bunbury

St Charles Borromeo

Feast Day 4th November

St Charles Borromeo was born in 1538 into a ruling family in Northern Italy, his father was Count Giberto Borromeo, his mother was Margherita de’ Medici the older sister of Giovanni de’ Medici who would become Pope Pius IV and who would have a significant influence on the future of Charles. Although he was not the eldest son, Charles' potential as a leader and advisor was already acknowledged by his family who appointed him to take over their affairs after their father died. Charles continued his studies and gained his Doctorate in Civil and Canon Law, later was appointed a cardinal, then ordained as a priest. He founded a new congregation, the Oblates of St Ambrose, to assist him with his pastoral work. He lived humbly and yet boldly, and was always putting his own health and safety at great risk, continuing to help others, to say Mass every day, to carry on his duties of faith and to inspire others to strive for the spirit of sanctity. He passed away on 3 November 1584, the last words he uttered being “Ecce venio” (Behold I come). His emblem, the crowned Humilitas, part of the Borromeo shield, would become the symbol of his legacy for the young student of St Charles' Seminary.

• The latin word “Humilitas” with the surmounting cornet are the arms of St Charles

• The five silver stars on a blue field signifies Australia

• The crest of the swan with rising wings extended, represents the State of Western Australia for the Western Australian Provincial Seminary

• The motto “Discite a Me” (Learn of me) was taken from the Gospel and refers to the hope that the seminarians will learn to follow the true teaching of Christ through devotion and imitation of St Charles, the model of all priestly virtues.

St Charles Borromeo. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

The Selection of Guildford

Perth’s dream seminary should today have been sitting, probably selfconsciously, only a stone’s throw from Pignatelli church in leafy Attadale Pat Cunningham, entered in 1942

Up until World War I, Perth diocese –unlike Sydney Melbourne and Adelaide - was without a regular clergy and its dioceses was under the exclusive control of the secular clergy run by Irish bishops. Even with the opening of St Patrick’s in Manly in NSW in 1885, the Irish bishops of Perth did not draw on Manly to train priests for Western Australia nor did they fund seminarians to go to Manly. Priests in Western Australia were still being trained outside of Australia, mainly

from All Hallows College in Dublin and Propaganda College in Rome. The seminary in Manly therefore trained priests who would work on the eastern mainland only. By the early 20th century, with the lack of priests in particular serving remote communities such as Geraldton, along with the growing movement for a Roman Catholic Church that was Australian, a seminary to educate young West Australians for the priesthood had long been felt and was now more than

The seminary, 1942. Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

ever needed. The onset of World War II however took this aspiration almost out of reach. Many men and women lost their lives in World War II including priests, many of whom served as chaplains as well as seeing active service. During the years of conflict, the numbers of priests declined, and yet there was the great influx of migrants to Western Australia including orphans. Priests were desperately needed to service not just parish churches and communities but also schools, orphanages and convents.

When Cardinal Maglione visited Western Australia in 1940, the subject of establishing a seminary was broached and decided upon. It would be the joint responsibility of the Archdiocese of Perth and the Diocese of Geraldton. A parcel of land 33 acres on the south bank of the Swan River at Attadale was acquired by the Archbishop Prendiville for the St Charles Apostolic School. There was also a proposal to establish a semi-rural campus at Bedford Hill just out of Armadale. The future rector of the seminary, Dr Goody conducted an appeal throughout the archdiocese to encourage the take up of vocations and for financial support of the seminary. He also travelled to the Diocese of Geraldton to spread the word. However, the ongoing war not only threatened an end to the Attadale plans (as well as the Armadale plans) but to a seminary at all in Western Australia.

Although the original estimates allowed for increases in prices due to the war, when the tenders were called in 1941 these costs were far exceeded. Compounding this, war restrictions meant that the Commonwealth Government were placing restrictions on building expenditure especially new buildings.

Archbishop Prendiville, Dr Goody along with Bishop O’Collins of Geraldton were all determined and instrumental in ensuring this dream would become a reality. But they needed to be thrifty and to look at other options. When William Padbury’s handsome 19th century estate in Guildford “Garden Hill” came on the market in March 1941 it seemed the ideal alternative and affordable solution.

It had a spacious residence as well as ample outbuildings, beautiful grounds including tennis courts, orchard and vineyard and was situated right on the river with its own boathouse.

The original Garden Hill residence, 1954. Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

Guildford was also an appropriate location for other reasons too – being one of the early sites for a Catholic Church. They visited the property that was going at rock bottom price and agreed it could work and so the Guildford property was purchased.

The fitout began in October 1941. A rugged stocky Italian, Jim Monaco, was engaged to get the grounds into shape. Carpenters, painters and plumbers were also brought on board and together these men completed the work just in time for the opening in February 1942.

The opening of St Charles in Guildford would be regarded as being of momentous significance in the history of the church in Western Australia. Although the Attadale land was retained by the Bishops of the Western Australian Province with the idea that the seminary would eventually move there, St Charles remained at Guildford. Post-war government policy to increase migration – not just to offer a home to those driven out or orphaned but to build up the country’s population in the face of growing perceived vulnerability – would be both a challenge and an opportunity to the church and to the role of St Charles.

The church would have to adapt quickly to serve a growing population as well as to respond to the different cultural groups and to recruit priests from the same ethnic groups as these new migrants.

Kalgoorlie Miner, 19 March 1941. Courtesy Archives and Information Governance Office

1942: The Opening of St Charles'

The founding of the Provincial Seminary of St Charles marks the beginning of a fending for ourselves, of a hoped-for independence. An experiment in independence which, without the grace of God indeed, might easily be a failure. But this tragedy, we are sure, will never eventuate, because of the assistance, both spiritual and temporal, which we have learned by experience to expect with confidence from the Catholic people of Western Australia.

Preface

by

Dr Goody in the 1942 souvenir program

At 3pm on Sunday 8 March 1942, a crowd gathered on the shady lawn overlooking the beautiful Guildford River for the formal opening ceremony officiated by Archbishop Prendiville of Perth, metropolitan of the province in front of all the bishops of the province. The introductory address was given by the Rector Dr Goody and an address by Bishop O’Collins of Geraldton after which followed an occasional sermon, the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and then an afternoon tea.

It was a day that was greatly looked forward to by the Catholic congregation of Western Australia, finally seeing a preparatory seminary for their future clergy. The public arrived by car, by train from Perth, Fremantle and Midland, as well as a beam bus that left from Government Gardens and special buses from Mt Hawthorn and Mt Lawley. Visitors were able to inspect the buildings and grounds before and after the opening ceremony. Although they had successfully overcome the impacts of the war altering

their initial plans to build at Applecross and had a achieved a beautiful comprise at Guildford, with the costs of adaptation coming within the budget estimated, the war did still affect the scale of the opening ceremony with so many engaged in war duties. However everyone was encouraged to attend who could attend. Copies of a souvenir booklet especially produced for the opening were offered to all, and also posted out to those who could not attend the occasion and made available at the Central Catholic Library in the city. The day after the opening staff and students were treated to a picnic at the National Park.

Although the spacious former residence of William Padbury (later called Padbury House) was adapted to meet the immediate requirements of the seminary, once opened plans were already underway for expansion. However, the ensuing war years kept at bay any improvements to the refectory, classrooms and dormitories as well as to providing the seminary with its own chapel. Although the number

of applicants grew each year to over 30 by 1946, numbers had to be capped as the permit to extend accommodation and facilities was refused by the Commonwealth Government which was still constrained by post-war austerity. In later years, generous donations by members of the church made possible the future expansion of the facilities.

Some of these included in 1950, Mr Denis Hickey, former railway worker of Corrigin, who left a large portion of his estate to the Catholic Archbishop of Perth for the use and benefit of St Charles, and in 1953, widow Margaret McAuliffe of West Perth left £500 for the seminary. These donations would often coincide with the appearance of new facilities and buildings.

St Charles' Seminary Foundation Group, 1942. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

The Foundations of St Charles'

The trees were wild and needed severe pruning…and probably so too did the students.

Jim O’Brien, entered 1942

As a regional junior or minor seminary St Charles would prepare youths for the priesthood. The establishment of St Charles was an experiment in independence relying on the faith and the assistance and support of the Catholic people of Western Australia. It would both increase the number of priests and also help furnish the church with a clergy marked by holiness and learning in a high and excellent degree. As importantly, not only could they now undertake this study

in Western Australia, but many of its students were born in Western Australia. They still needed to complete their studies elsewhere, at St Patrick's Manly or St Francis Xavier's Adelaide or even overseas to Ireland or Rome.

Dr Goody was the first Rector of St Charles. Born in London in 1908, he came to Western Australia with his parents in 1916 and was educated at CBC Perth. He went to Propaganda College Rome

Archbishop Prendiville with Cardinal Gilroy, at the Centenary of the Church in WA, May 1946. Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

to study for the priesthood and was ordained in 1930 after receiving his doctorate of philosophy. After Rome he travelled to the former Yugoslavia to study Slavonic languages.

The rector was in charge of all departments of the seminary, assisted by a vice rector, bursar and the teaching staff. Foundation staff supporting Dr Goody included: Rev. Austin Kelly SJ –Visiting Spiritual Director Rev. E. McBride –Vice-Rector

Mr W Mangini Assistant (Maths and Science)

Mr K F Spruhan –Visiting Lecturer (History)

Very Rev. Dr Kearnan PP –Visiting Confessor

Accounts by some of the students recall Dr Goody as a mannered intellectual, possessing an arresting personality, a gift of oratory and born to lead. Student recollections of some other the staff included McBride as scholarly, dry, and laconic; Mangini as pensive and spiritual.

The Foundation Students at St Charles were:

Joseph Russell; John Doogue; Harold Middleton; James O’Brien; James Brennen; Francis Dillon; Thomas O’Neill; John O’Sullivan; Gerard Turner; David O’Brien; Patrick Cunningham; Peter Quinn; Eugene O’Brien; Joseph Atkinson; Leslie Peirce; James McIver; Gaetano Crocetti; Michael Taylor; Paul Taylor; Vincent Yozzi.

Students were also given responsibilities, with official roles including prefects, master of ceremonies, sacristan and hebdomodarius.

Archbishop Hickey at his farewell mass for his retirement at St Charles’ Seminary, 2012. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Scholastic Life

In all, 360 men have studied there, and most of them have cherished memories…of philosophy lectures, of tedious latin and greek classes conducted inevitably on warm sunny afternoons.

The Parish Scene, 1993

When St Charles opened the youngest students were between 13 and 14. The year was divided into three terms, the curriculum reflecting the normal range of secondary school subjects including Greek. By its second year, 1943, the system of dividing the year into two terms was adopted. The Academy of Philosophy was also inaugurated with four students commencing the philosophy course. The first three years of philosophy were spent at Guildford, and the remaining four years of theology had to be undertaken either interstate or overseas. With building restrictions still in place owing to the war, new accommodation could not be constructed for the philosophy students and so an existing house adjoining St Charles was secured instead. This house “Dunhelm” had been built in 1903 by Albert Sanderson, William Padbury’s brother-in-law. It would later be named Aquin House.

In 1944 a very important event in the scholastic life of St Charles was the visit of a deputation from the University of Western Australia consisting of Professors Cameron and Wetherburn and Rev. Dr. MacMahon. They were more than pleased with their observations and the curriculum

offered which prepared the students more that adequately for the Junior and Leaving certificate examinations of the University of Western Australia. As a result the seminary was formally recognised by the university as a secondary school. By 1945, the seminary also had a complete school of philosophy with the philosophy students also being responsible for supervising the evening studies.

It was not long before the students of St Charles' were distinguishing themselves in the annual State Public Examinations, the range of subjects taught at the seminary being exceptional, which was largely attributed to Dr Goody. There were classes in religious subjects such as liturgy and Gregorian chant, as well as the teaching of five languages including French and Greek, history, the various branches of mathematics, physics, chemistry and philosophy. There was also training that supplemented the academic rigours, such as the art of public speaking and the students also put on their own dramatic entertainments and presentations annually which contributed to the growth and development of confident and articulate young men.

In December 1945 the first of the foundation students of St Charles who had completed their philosophical course were admitted to the clerical state by the rite of the tonsure. They were Harold Middleton to the Diocese of Geraldton and James O’Brien and Joseph Russell both to the Archdiocese of Perth. They were ready to enter Manly College the following year to commence Theology. By 1946, which was also the centenary year of the foundation of the church in Western Australia, Perth was regarded as the best equipped city in Australia in the Catholic

institutions with few rivals in the world with St Charles being a major contributor to this reputation.

The year 1947 was hailed “a year of success!” in the public examinations. Five complete passes were obtained in the Leaving Certificate; two exhibitions were obtained; K. Byrne secured the University of Modern Languages Exhibition accruing seven distinctions; J. Barden secured a general exhibition with five distinctions and Laurence Edwards secured a Lynn scholarship. The students at St Charles would continue this high academic standard for many years to come.

Sub-leaving class, 1963. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Leaving Physic students doing an experiment. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Plan of part of "Garden Hill", Guildford. Courtesy of the Archives and Information Governance Office

Proposed new class room and quarters, St Charles' Seminary Guilford, Henderson and Thompson Architects, August 1952. Courtesy of the Archives and Information Governance Office

First Fruit of the Western Australian Provincial Seminary

The remarkable combination of Prendiville’s vision…and Goody’s drive had produced its first fruits. Pat Cunningham, entered 1942 Sunday 31 July 1949 was a seminal day in the history of St Charles. It was the date the first foundation student of St Charles was ordained into the priesthood; Harold Middleton. Although destined for the diocese of Geraldton and ordained by Geraldton's Bishop Gummer, the ordination took place in Harold’s hometown of Kalgoorlie in St Mary’s Church. The ordination attracted much attention, and was reported in a two page spread in the Cathedral Chronicle (Geraldton). The day after his ordination, Fr Middleton returned to St Charles and all were given a half day holiday.

The ordinations of James O’Brien and Joseph Russell followed soon after Fr Middleton. In 1950, Francis Dillon and Thomas O’Neill were ordained for the Perth archdiocese then J. Barden and Fitzgerald who joined Fr Middleton in Geraldton.

The year 1951 saw the largest ordination ceremony ever performed in Western Australia at St Mary’s Cathedral. Three students, all born in Western Australia and all from St Charles, were ordained –Gaetano Crocetti, John Challis. For most of the 1950s, St Charles was averaging three or four ordinations each year.

St Charles Seminary staff and students, 1951. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Life in the Seminary

Russell Hardiman, entered 1958, quoting his mother.

The development of spirituality came through the patterns of seminary life –morning and evening prayer, sacraments, ceremonies, feast days, rosary, vespers and mass. When St Charles' opened, life was highly regimented and controlled. There were almost 100 rules that had to be followed by the young students, their intention being to develop the individual as well as for the benefit of the common good. The rules and regime of St Charles' were centred upon a solid spiritual life (Piety), acquirement of sufficient learning (Study), and the proper care for the needs

of the body (Discipline). Once the year had commenced, life was a constant rhythm of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly rituals and practices as well as study. The scholastic year began with the Mass of the Holy Spirit and the singing of the 'Veni Creator'. Every morning students would be awoken and rise at the first sound of the bell and start their morning offering. Silence was encouraged in the lecture halls, study and especially in the dormitory, and the monastic tradition of not speaking from night prayer to after breakfast was followed. However, new arrivals would often get caught out with that rule in their first waking day!

“You will spend the rest of your life wearing black socks, why do you need to start now?”

Deacons assisting mass, 2014. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

1964.

The rules also cautioned against any murmuring, criticism or angry and unkind words all of which were to be avoided. Going out of the seminary without permission, visiting students’ rooms, using the telephone were also restricted. Study, recreation and chores were all compulsory, and all begun and ended with a short prayer designed to “…elevate and sanctify these actions”. Visits to the seminary were limited and restricted to parents and close relatives. As well as the guidance of the male clergy and staff, three Sisters of St John of God - Sisters Anthony, Lawrence and Dionysius – were brought on to look after the students, to sew and to cook the three meals a day for them - sometimes too well! The sisters were remembered

by students for not only providing nourishment, but also a lot of laughter and tender loving care in the infirmary. All the stories and experiences of the students who entered St Charles were different. The often quiet and calm of seminary life in many ways emanated from the quiet and calm of the surrounding grounds and natural environment at Guildford. However, while some thrived in the seminary’s environment, for others the routines, rules and discipline, the lack of personal expression - all part of being moulded into the priesthood - was difficult to adjust to. It took courage to stay as much as it did to leave and many did leave before completing the full path to priesthood.

Students enjoying some leisure time,

Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Social and Cultural Diversions

Annual Concert night; about fifteen clerical visitors. Buffet supper for all and ½ hour sleep-in in the morning. Prefects Diary entry Thursday 21st September 1950

There was some respite from the rigors of study, daily rituals and chores to allow for time out for reflection and also to enrich social and cultural development.

There was an annual three day retreat and also one day retreats at the beginning and end of each scholastic year. During summer holidays students could return home to their families although, even out of the watchful gaze of the rector and staff, they were still expected to carry out daily devotions and practices of piety.

The prefects diary recorded all the daily goings on at St Charles' both the scholastic and religious activities, but also other highlights such as the regular picnics and excursions to places like the Zoo, Harvey Weir, Lesmurdie Falls Yanchep Caves, New Norcia, Araluen as well as to some of the finest beaches including City Beach, North Beach and Waikiki Beach from where they would sometimes return “rather wind-burned but happy”.

Gradually more recreational and artistic opportunities were integrated into the scholastic year. There was a literary and debating society, end of year annual prize giving and speech day, and an annual oratorical competition. There were outings to His Majesty’s Theatre and the Capitol Theatre in Perth to watch movies such

as “Song of Bernadette”, “This Happy Breed” and “Trial for Treason” as well as live theatre including “Our Hearts Were Young and Gay” “The Way of the Cross” and many Shakespearean productions

“The Merchant of Venice”, “King Lear” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to name but a few. These outings were mostly the privilege of the senior students however, sometimes theatre troupes like The Therry Society would perform at the seminary for all to enjoy.

The students and staff also provided their own entertainment. From 1949 Father Ryan’s picture shows would become a welcome tradition at St Charles', with Fr Ryan treating professors and students alike to an evening’s “pleasant entertainment” with his film “talkie” projector. So too, the students would put on music concerts as well as dramatic performances, often directed by the rector or other staff, that were both religious and secular, such as “Christmas in the Market-Place”, “Ambrose Applejohn’s Adventure”, “The Beggar” “The Creed of Trant” and even “Getting Married”. Although the lights would often fail during these events the students were used to that and it almost became part of the tradition. All in all, the concerts and performances were a success and often received flattering reviews in

The Record. St Charles became something of a social hub with visiting clergy joining the community for Mass or tea en-route to other places or even to stay for a couple of days. Special guest speakers and artisans were also invited into the seminary. In 1950, Arnold Lunn celebrated English author, lecturer and mountaineer, visited St Charles during which he gave “a brilliant talk” and autographing his books for students.

So impressed with Mr Lunn, some of the Philosophers and a few from the Junior House went to His Majesty’s Theatre to hear Mr Lunn’s address on “The Church in Europe”. There were other guests to St Charles such as Mr Roberts, crown solicitor, who gave a talk on the basic wage, and Mr Alexander Turner who gave instruction on the art of book binding, and others who covered a range of other practical topics such as interior decorating and motor mechanics.

Play Nights, 2012. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Retreat at Swan View, 1967. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

A Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind

Sports meeting very successful. 12 Records Smashed!! Prefect's Diary entry 15 October 1948

As well as visits from parents or walks around Guildford or the bush, once the obligations of Sunday prayers and mass had been fulfilled, Sunday was also traditionally set aside for visiting sport teams. It was compulsory for all students to participate in the sporting games that ran the whole year. For some students, especially those who were perhaps not so academic, they could distinguish themselves in sporting competitions. But even for those not so physically adept, sport still nurtured a general sense of camaraderie, not just at

the games and carnivals but also at the regular training sessions.

A sports committee was inaugurated in second term of 1942 with the first annual Sports meeting held on 7 October. The October date for the annual meet was continued and also nicely tied in with the feast day of St Charles on 4 October. An annual swimming carnival was initiated 1947. Coinciding with St Patrick’s Day in March, a solemn mass was held in the morning followed by the swimming

Borromeo Cup, 2009. Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

carnival and then attendance at the St Patrick’s night concert. Cross country runs as well as seasonal weekly games of cricket and football, and sometimes hockey, were played against other schools and clubs but also ex-seminarians including the annual Borromeo Cup. Situated on an ideal position on the river and having its own boatshed, rowing was also part of the physical program. The seminary’s boats also came to the aid of those who struck trouble in the river, one case being the rescue of Mrs Purcell from drowning in the river’s flood waters in the winter of 1945.

Good sporting facilities were initially hampered with the original “Garden Hill” gravel tennis courts being situated right on the playing field, so in 1943 the courts were removed. In 1951 work began on a new playing field and amphitheatre where the original Garden Hill orchard used to be. The oval was levelled and grassed by the students using rudimentary equipment such as shovels, wheelbarrows and rakes.

Success at the annual Sports Carnival, 1965. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

Junior Cricket Team, 1964. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

1948: Changes Within and Without

Under the leadership of Fr J P (John) Wilkinson CM the Vincentians began to put their stamp on the liturgical, prayer and study life of the students.

Kevin Smith, entered 1948

One of the biggest changes to St Charles' after its first few years of existence occurred in 1948 with the arrival of the Vincentian Fathers to take over the management of the seminary. This change had been set in motion late in 1947 when Dr Goody was honoured by nomination for domestic prelate by the Pope. After his consecration, Dr Goody left for Rome on 25 January 1948 and the remaining priests who had worked with him at St Charles' also dispersed to various parishes or institutions. Although behind-the-scenes negotiations may have occurred over some weeks or months, for the students the appearance of the Vincentian Fathers at St Charles was sudden and unexpected, and it would seem that life in the seminary would remain unsettled for some years to come. The Vincentians had been running other seminaries on the east coast but St Charles' was the first appointment by the Vincentians in Western Australia. The uniformity of systems they applied in all of their seminaries meant they could move across each of them and their duties and processes would remain the same. However, it also meant that many elements of their approach were rigid and inflexible.

Although Dr Goody and Father McBride had received no specific tertiary training for teaching, the standards they had set and the achievements they had attained in their short time presented a real challenge to the university-trained Vincentians to maintain. The Very Rev. J. P. Wilkinson CM, was appointed as rector. For some students, Fr Wilkinson’s rigid discipline and ruthless judgement on the merits of an individual’s vocation generated an atmosphere of fear rather than respect, with a number of students starting to leave soon after his appointment.

Fr Wilkinson, Vincentian Rector, giving address at opening of new wing, 1954. Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

However, despite the numbers who left, the annual student intake was still increasing after the arrival of the Vincentians. In response a new two storey building (later named Prendiville House) to provide much needed dormitories and classrooms was planned for and constructed in 1953. The building, the first major building program undertaken since the opening of St Charles, was designed by prominent architects E. Le B. Henderson & Thompson and ready to be opened in 1954.

Life at the seminary was not all doom and gloom. There were elements of joy and enthusiasm that still fostered a camaraderie amongst students and a sense of growing towards a common ideal. These positive aspects included the classroom spirit, pride in contact with old boys and alumni priests, in sport, singing, friendships made through the outings and family visits and attending the significant occasions at the cathedral and other churches. But changes beyond their world at Guildford would cause new stresses and anxieties, with the impacts of global events even reaching the little seminary on the banks of the river. The 1950s saw the emerging threat of Cold War, wars in Asia, and the rise in communism - issues that were keenly followed by the students with special talks regularly given by them at this time covering topical current affairs like communism. In 1952, ten Italian Ursuline sisters of the Sacred Heart and three Hungarian sisters who had been expelled from Communist China came to Western Australia when Bishop

Prendiville offered them refuge. Five were housed at St Charles' and the rest went to either Wandering or Clontarf. The St John of God Sisters left St Charles at this time, with the Ursuline sisters taking over their role and were fondly farewelled with a concert by the staff and students. However, the students would warm to their new Italian sisters and in a later concert, even performed some Italian songs for them in their honour.

The next big impact occurred in 1962, when Pope John XXIII convened an ecumenical council of all the world’s bishops for the first time in nearly 100 years. The purpose was to bring the teachings and needs of the church up to date with the modern world and with the other growing Christian communities. This was become known as Vatican II.

The outcomes of Vatican II would shake up the spirituality and pastoral practice that had brought a remarkable sense of uniformity to the Catholic Church and to St Charles. After managing the disruptions of war, changing political ideologies and growing migration on top of the changes brought by the Vincentian Fathers, the staff and students now had to adjust to the momentous changes imposed by Vatican II. These changes would have a permanent impact not only on their training and education (such as on the cessation of Latin in favour of mass spoken in the vernacular language) but also on the cool calm of their home and community in Guildford.

The World’s Longest Serving Seminarian

One could not forget Louie Younger, the world’s longest-serving seminarian, who did his best to humanise the place and entertain us with his good humour. However, I could never come to terms with that mangy old dog of his.

Brian Limbourn, entered Vocational Residence 1981

Aloysius [Louie] Younger was the beloved gardener and handyman at St Charles for nearly 40 years. He was remembered fondly by all, and not only did he achieve legendary status but so too his “mangy” dog Toby. Louie, affectionately named Tom Thumb owing to his diminutive stature, grew up at St Joseph’s orphanage then went to Clontarf for his schooling where he also became the gardener/handyman. He was wiry and shrewd, spending much of his early adult life living rough and learning to turn his hand to almost anything. He was recommended to Fr Wilkinson who was looking for a gardener for St Charles'. He started in 1955 and took on the role with great gusto.

Although when he first started he was not allowed to talk to the seminarians because of the strict rules in place, the students endeared to him and would sneak visits to him to indulge in common pleasures, such as a banter, a tipple and a cigarette. As the rules relaxed, he became more involved with the lives of the seminarians and staff. He was able to stay on at the seminary after it closed in 1975 and became well acquainted with the men living at the Vocational Residence.

Fr Brian Rosling, former director of the Residence, would later recall how Louie taught them all “…the importance of patience, of waiting upon the seasons and caring for the beauty of God’s creation”.

After retiring in late 1980s he still lived on site and would potter around the garden and grounds and tend to his flowers. Sadly he died at the end of 1993, just before the seminary reopened. Having such a close and enduring association with St Charles', he was buried with the priests at Karrakatta not far from Archbishop Foley.

Louie Younger with seminarians, 1991. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

1975: Inevitable Closure

We were in the midst of student revolts, the feminist revolution was in full swing and Neil Armstrong had left a (black and white) footprint on the moon.

John Jegorow, entered 1968

Although still being managed by the Vincentians, by the late 1960s and into the 1970s, new priests now on staff were far less strict and less inclined to rule by fear.

Under Rector Fr Tom O’Reilly, students were encouraged to be more responsible for themselves and their actions. So too, Fr Frank Bourke wanted to make the students self-sufficient as mechanics, cooks, art critics as well as Latin scholars. Rules were either relaxing or fast disappearing. Students were allowed more personal choice, allowed to smoke so no longer had to sneak off at night to the oval for a quiet cigarette, they could post their own letters and go to the local shop to buy a soft drink. However, despite these positive changes, there were now other issues to contend with, most especially the declining number of men entering the priesthood. This was due to many factors, not just the repercussions of Vatican II, but also the changes in society generally as well as the deteriorating reputation of, and respect for, the Catholic Church with more and more reports emerging in regards not only to the behaviour of individual clergy and members, but to whole institutions. The corridors of St Charles no longer echoed

with 40 plus students; the numbers had declined to about half and the trend was spiralling further downwards.

In a viscous cycle, the less students, the less resources offered and the more the sense of community weakened. The student dynamic was becoming disrupted with no philosophy course now being offered and students having to go to Trinity College in the city to study philosophy. By the mid-1970s, when the Vincentians had finally completely pulled out of running St Charles', philosophy students then had to go to Adelaide to complete their final years, with Adelaide poised to take on the role as a seminary for the whole southern and western region of Australia.

With an ever increasing shortage of seminarians, staff and resources, the stark fact that Western Australia could no longer run its own seminary could no longer be ignored. The closure of St Charles and even the selling of the Guildford property altogether was now on the table.

1980: Vocational Residence

We learnt about the Church, about prayer, about a regular life-style, about being responsible and most of all, about ourselves.

Brian Limbourn, entered Vocational Residence 1981

After more than three decades, St Charles’ Seminary was closed in 1975. From here on, West Australian men wanting to be priests had to go to Adelaide or Sydney for their entire training. This was a big commitment for some to make this move especially if they had never lived away from home, had any uncertainties about their vocation or little understanding of what seminary life and training for the priesthood involved. However, priests

were urgently needed especially in a world of growing population and also growing secularism. The Catholic Church keenly felt that at this time more than ever “Someone must speak of God”. The Church’s work of forming future priests was still seen as a critical part of the continuation of Christ’s own work. Rather than the closure of Western Australia’s only seminary creating a complete void of opportunities for men who wanted or were considering a vocation in the priesthood, the idea for a Vocational Residence at St Charles emerged.

Vocational Residence Brochure. Courtesy of the Archives and Information Governance Office

Chairman of the Vocations Committee, Fr Bill Foley, had come up with the idea of a “pre-seminary” and met with Fr Barry Hickey who would champion this proposition. The pre-seminary would be a transition between secular life and the seminary life; a place for those considering becoming priests to have space and time to contemplate and clarify their ideas, to receive guidance, to be introduced to life as a seminarian before making the commitment to go to Adelaide. They could in turn be assessed for their suitability. Just as importantly, the one year residency would be a chance for some to experience living away from home for the first time.

Although no longer a seminary, the Vocational Residence at St Charles, as it was called, continued the work of at least supporting the development of men for the priesthood in Western Australia.

The daily programme was designed to integrate community life, prayer and Mass with work and study. The residents continued their normal work or other studies, and returned each week night for introductory classes and informal lectures in discerning their vocation. They would also join in with the seminary prayer programme when able. Those who could

pay board would which helped with the costs of running the residence, such as providing meals. However, those who couldn’t pay were still accepted.

The Vocational Residence, with Fr Bryan Rosling as the Director, proved to be a successful and worthwhile undertaking. During its full operation, from 1980 to 1993, 160 men had stayed there, of these 60 went on to the seminary and 20 were ordained priests.

St Charles Day, honouring departure of Vincentian Fathers, 1975. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

1994: Reopening

It’s with a bit of trepidation that these first words are written – the start of a new era for St Charles, a massive book – totally blank, and the knowledge that these words will be perused in years to come (may there be many, God willing!)

Prefect’s Diary entry 9 March 1994 8pm

Mass celebrating the opening of Year of the Priest, St Charles’ Chapel, June 2009. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

In 1994 St Charles was reopened as a provincial seminary. The first new students formally entered on 13 February 1994, with the average ages being between 19 and 45. Fr Fogarty was the rector and supported by Fr Robert Cross (affectionately remembered as Father (I am on a diet until dessert) Robert Cross!). The vocational residence was temporarily continued to

allow for those still seeing through this program.

Before turning their attentions to their studies, the first two weeks of the seminary’s opening involved hard labour, including cleaning, painting, gardening and sorting books for a gigantic book sale to raise much needed funds. On

18 February a formal opening mass and dinner was given for the students, attended by Archbishop Barry Hickey and Bishop Healy. Then on 24 February an introductory wine and cheese evening was held. A Friends of Saint Charles' Seminary was also formed to assist in fundraising especially for maintenance of the buildings. The first project to be prioritised was the renovation and furnishing of the chapel which was formerly the recreation room, as the chapel, as always, was the centre of the life of the seminary.

The seminary provided a comprehensive seven year course in human, spiritual, pastoral and academic formation.

However, unlike when the seminary was first established with scholastic classes held on site, this time students travelled to the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle. In 1995 the Centre for seminary Studies at Notre Dame was established and an agreed course of studies developed through a memorandum negotiated between the centre and the university to deliver an academic programme that covered the key elements necessary in the training to be a priest. Studies were also undertaken at the university’s College of Theology and College of Arts (Philosophy).

Enjoying family and friends after mass, 2010. Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

2022: 80 years on…

Thomas Harold Lai arrives at the seminary as our newest addition. This is his first year of formation. He is of Chinese-Burmese descent and his family was based at Holy Family Parish, Maddington. Apparently, he has great cooking skills!

Prefects Diary entry 18th February 2022

The mission of the seminary is still the formation of diocesan priests for the Archdiocese of Perth and the provincial dioceses of Western Australia. In preparing students for the diocesan priesthood which

serves the Church in Western Australia, a full timetable of study, prayer and work is provided for. However, no longer rigidly institutional and imposing strict and regular routine, St Charles has taken on a much more contemporary and broader outlook, based on necessity in response to external pressures as much as to internal drive. There were also female teachers employed, the first women being Mrs Jane Pilkington who taught social etiquette, and Mrs Marlene Strohmeier who taught speech.

All academic units are taught at university standard and apply theories to reflective understanding of the self and others as well as to future priestly ministry. These units also cover issues such as women’s prospective, understanding cultural influences, sensitivity to minority groups and to people with special needs. The first year of the course is approached very much as an introductory year without pressure of academic and pastoral work. The second year is followed by philosophical studies then preparation for being a parish priest including a one month practical placement in a parish and more time out in the community carrying out apostolic work. Ordination, 2009.

Courtesy of St Charles' Seminary

At the seminary, silence, reflection and daily meditation are still encouraged and valued but not enforced as part of any rules. Students also help out in the kitchen, learning to cook, and also take part in interesting extra-curricular activities such as a “ropes course” with the Navy on Garden Island. To make it more interesting for these young men, more opportunities are made available as individuals to seek out as many experiences as possible where they can really get in involved in society, to be out mixing with people and to experience firsthand their doubts, concerns and anxieties.

The newsletter Pastores Dabo Vobis introduced when the seminary reopened in 1994 reflects the deep faith and core spiritual life, but also this more relaxed, eclectic and social lifestyle enjoyed by the students today. This is also reflected in the entries in the Prefects Diary.

Since 1942 more than 400 men have been through St Charles, with 122 of them going through to ordination and 4 going on to become bishops and archbishops.

Anzac Day, 2011. Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

However, the number of men entering St Charles now will likely never reached the heights of the 1940s and 1950s. As well, men are entering the seminary much later in life than their predecessors, and so treated accordingly as men with experience and opinions not boys still needing to be moulded and formed to meet preconceived, traditional ideas of what a priest should be. Many are embracing more modern, less insular ideas

of what the church is; it’s not the church and the world, it’s the church in the world. So too, they can also be just normal blokes talking about the footy and sitting around the telly to watch the Olympics, but still living as part of a community and sharing their lives together in faith and devotion and still striving for the ultimate goal – to be priests.

St Charles was symbolic of our commitment to vocations to the priesthood. It said through its quiet stately presence on the Swan River that we wanted our young men to follow the path of the spirit, withdraw from the world for a while and listen to the voice of God.

Ordination, 2009.

Archbishop Barry Hickey

Courtesy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

References

References held by or sourced from the Archives Office, Archdiocese of Perth

St Charles’ Seminary, Prefects Diary, 1942-1952.

St Charles’ Seminary Photograph Album 1942-1975.

St Charles’ Seminary, Seminary Diary, 1994 – current.

Official Souvenir, Saint Charles’ Seminary, Guildford, Western Australia, The Record Press, Perth, 1942.

Rules of St. Charles Provincial Seminary, Guildford Western Australia, 1942, Imprimatur J. Panico, D.D., J.U.D., Apostolic Delegate, Record Print, 250 Hay Street, Perth.

St Charles’ Seminary Guildford, information booklet, 1966.

Someone must speak of GOD: Could I be a Priest, brochure c1980.

‘1942 Saint Charles’ 1992…reflections’, booklet, 1992, commemorating 50th anniversary.

Pastores Dabo Vobis, Saint Charles’ Seminary, Newsletter: Vol. 1. No. 1 April 1994 & Vol 2. No. 1 March 1995.

St Charles Seminary Guildford, Material Re: Lou Younger, Gardener – St Charles Seminary, Stack 1 Box 088.

Architectural Plans for St Charles Seminary. ‘Conservation Plan for St Charles Seminary (Formerly ‘Garden Hill’)’, prepared by John Taylor Architect for St Charles Seminary, 1999.

St Charles’ Seminary photograph album 2009-2014

Newspapers

Cathedral Chronicle: 1 August 1941; 1 September 1947; 1 August 1949; 1 February 1954.

Daily News, 21 March 1952 p. 8; 8 December 1953 p. 2; Kalgoorlie Miner, 19 March 1941 Kojonup Courier, 7 April 1955 p.1. Sunday Time, 29 July 1951 p. 1; The Record, 5 March 1942

West Australian: 29 March 1941; 15 August 1950 p. 6; 26 August 1950

State Records Office

Plan of the Townsite of Guildford, 1842, Cons. 3868, Item 192.

Published Histories

Bourke, D. F., The History of the Catholic Church in Western Australia 1829-1979, Perth, 1979.

Livingston, K. T., The Emergence of an Australian Catholic Priesthood 1835-1915, in Studies in the Christian Movement, Number 3, Catholic Theological Faculty, Sydney, 1977.

Acknowledgements

Content

Helen Munt, Historian Odhran O'Brien, Archdiocesan Archivist  Design

Creative Spaces  Printer

Advance Print and Communication Specialists

St Charles' Seminary, Eightieth Anniversary