8 May 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #30
Pioneer books unearth stories of faith By Jamie O’Brien The Archdiocese of Perth has last week officially launched the biographies of Archbishop Patrick Clune CSsr, written by Fr Christopher Dowd, and Bishop Martin Griver, written by Odhran O’Brien. The books provide a unique insight into the lives of Bishop Martin Griver (1814–1886) and Archbishop Patrick Clune (1864-1935), recalling the stories of faith, empire and social justice during the challenging early years of the local community in Perth and the Church. The Archdiocese commissioned the books during the restoration of St Mary’s Cathedral, which was completed in 2009. More than 150 guests attended the launch, which was held at the Redemptorist Monastery in North Perth and who were officially welcomed by Chairman of the Archdiocesan Historical Commission, Monsignor Brian O’Loughlin. In his opening speech for the occasion, Monsignor O’Loughlin spoke about the work of the Historical C ommission of t he Archdiocese, paying special tribute to the role of Fr Pat Cunningham, who passed away in late 2014, as custo1 | EDITION #30 | 8 MAY 2015
Former ABC journalist Peter Kennedy conducts the Q&A session with authors Fr Christopher Dowd and Odhran O’Brien at the launch of their books on April 28. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN
dian of the oral history of the Archdiocese. Monsignor O’Loughlin went on to describe the process undertaken by the Historical
Ireland and Empire – The Life of Patrick Joseph Clune CSsr, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB praised the work of author Fr
“..he did so knowing that he was embarking on a journey of study and formation which would see him become a priest, not just for Ireland...” Commission and its members in the decision to have the histories published. Guests at the launch were also presented with a special Q&A session hosted by former ABC journalist Peter Kennedy and the authors. In launching the book Faith,
Christopher Dowd OP, while also providing some insight into the life of Archbishop Clune. “When Patrick Clune entered the seminary of All Hallows in 1881, he did so knowing that he was embarking on a journey of study and forma-
tion which would see him become priest not just for Ireland itself, but for what the All Hallows Annual for 1903/1904 would describe as greater Ireland beyond the seas,” the Archbishop said. “Luckily for us here in Western Australia, that greater Ireland included Australia and our western corner of it. “As we have heard, the young Fr Clune arrived in Sydney in 1886, and the story of his life of administering service in our country had begun,” the Archbishop continued. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au