10 April 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #26
Easter celebrations breathe new life into Perth By Marco Ceccarelli PARISHES across the Archdiocese of Perth were filled to capacity over the Easter weekend as thousands of faithful concluded the Easter Triduum with the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday celebrations. The central mystery of our Catholic faith, found in the wonder and joy of Christ’s Resurrection, was recalled in the numerous Easter liturgies and raised as a focal point for the current Easter season. Within the mother church of Perth’s Catholic community, St Mary’s Cathedral, Christ’s Resurrection was re-lived at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 April, as Archbishop of Perth Tim Costelloe led the faithful through one of the most important liturgies of the year. In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged those present to not lose the promise of happiness that Christ offers us at Easter, despite the numerous news of death and destruction taking place in the world at the moment. Referring to the situation of deep instability gripping the Middle East and different parts of Africa and the world, the Archbishop pointed out that this may be a difficult time in which to believe in the Resurrection. He also emphasised, however, that confronting a situ1 | EDITION #26 | 10 APRIL 2015
Monsignor Michael Keating, Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, processes with a wooden Cross at the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, April 3. PHOTO: RON TAN
ation without Jesus Christ is by no means the same as confronting it with Him. “The power of death has been broken,” the Archbishop said. “No matter what comes, we do not need to be afraid
Some parishes within Perth, such as Morley’s Infant Jesus; Good Shepherd, Lockridge and Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford, saw youth groups re-enact the Stations of the Cross in front
No matter what comes, we do not need to be afraid because, united to Jesus, we can draw on His power, His courage, His fidelity and His compassion. because, united to Jesus and travelling the journey of our lives with Him beside us, we can draw on His power, His courage, His fidelity and His compassion when our own threaten to fail us. “This is the message of Easter, this is at the heart of our Christian hope,” the Archbishop said.
of large, reflective congregations. Kolbe Catholic College, Rockingham, also put on a memorable performance of the Stations that gripped both students and parents of the school in the lead up to Easter. Others, such as St Jerome’s in Spearwood, processed
around the parish, choosing individuals to carry a wooden cross, a lance and to read each Station. One of the great re-enactments of the Stations of the Cross once again came from the Disciples of Jesus who took to the streets of Fremantle on Saturday, 4 April, to perform a dramatic performance of the passion of the Christ. Although reactions from bystanders were mixed, “after the event, while the musicians led songs of praise, a number of onlookers approached the actors and shared how the drama had touched their life”, said Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community member Reg Firth. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au