Official magazine for the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth
In Memoriam
POPE FRANCIS
1936 - 2025
“I see clearly that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the Church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else..." - Pope Francis, 2013
A woman dressed as a character from a Nativity scene puts a lamb around the neck of Pope Francis during his visit to the Church of Stb Alfonso Maria dei Liguori in Rome, 6 January 2014. PHOTO: CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO VIA REUTERS.
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“So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
— Luke 11: 9
Welcome to Issue 47 of The Record Magazine. In this special edition, we honour the life of the Holy Father Pope Francis, who passed away Monday 21 April. We share the message of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, as well as the highlights of the solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 22 April. Auxiliary Bishop Sproxton shares his Easter Message and we look at the launch of the 2025 Jubilee Year. Cottesloe Parish celebrates the opening of their new parish hall and Identitywa opens their new homes in East Cannington. We also welcomed the new Bishop of Bunbury, the Most Rev George Kolodziej SDS at a special celebration on 19 March. Don’t forget that these and many more stories are available at www.therecord.com.au
Statement: Death of Pope Francis
IN THIS unprecedented moment in time following the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, I wish to share with you my thoughts on his extraordinary life and ministry.
The Holy Father passed away at Casa Santa Marta at 7:35am local time in Rome on Monday, 21 April 2025. While it does not come as a surprise given the Holy Father’s age and declining health in recent months, the news will be received with great sadness by Catholics, and by people of good will, all over the world.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first non-European pope in nearly 1300 years, the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope
and the first pope to take the name Francis when he was elected to succeed Pope Benedict XVI in March 2013.
With an emphasis on our own formation, it is important that we take this opportunity to learn from his teachings, which have challenged us to look beyond our church walls and engage with the world, embracing those on the peripheries of society. From the moment when, as Cardinal Bergoglio, the Holy Father was introduced to the world as the newly elected Pope Francis, his simplicity and humility set the tone for a papacy which would be marked by an emphasis on the mercy and compassion of God. His famous description of the Church as a field
Pope Francis meets with Perth Archbishop, the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB on Thursday 6 October, in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. Archbishop Costelloe presented the Holy Father with a book of the History of St Mary’s Cathedral in Photographs. PHOTO: CNS/VATICAN MEDIA.
hospital, where wounds could be healed and hearts could be warmed, was a call to a renewal of the Church’s life and mission, grounded in a return to Christ as the source and inspiration of everything the Church sought to do and to be.
His approach to leadership and service has been, and will continue to be, profoundly marked by his Jesuit background, emphasising discernment and “finding God in all things.” This spirituality was evident in his daily life and decisions, reflecting a deep personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to making the Church a more inclusive, compassionate, and merciful place for all.
His efforts to reform the Vatican, to address issues of financial transparency, and to tackle the scourge of clerical abuse spoke of his resolve to purify the Church and restore its credibility and moral authority. This task, though daunting, was pursued with courage and determination, reflecting his belief in a Church that mirrors the merciful face of Christ.
In our Archdiocese of Perth, let us take inspiration
from Pope Francis’s pastoral guidance. Let us remember his call to be the Church that is a field hospital after battle, ready to heal wounds and warm the hearts of the faithful. Let us embody the joy of the Gospel in our communities and families, fostering a culture of encounter, dialogue, and respect.
I encourage you, my dear brothers and sisters, in reflecting on the passing of Pope Francis, to let his life be a beacon that guides us in our mission to be messengers of joy and bearers of Christ’s love.
As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of our times, may we remain united in our commitment to the Gospel and to the mission of our Church.
Since we are in the Easter Octave, it is not permitted to offer Votive Masses for the Dead. However, from Tuesday 22 April, during the nine days of mourning known as Novendiales, I ask you to offer Mass for the repose of his soul, to mention him by name in the intercession for the dead during the Eucharistic Prayer, and to pray for Pope Francis in the Universal Prayers.
From Monday 28 April, I would ask all priests in the Archdiocese of Perth to offer Votive Masses for a dead Pope, the texts for which can be found in the Roman Missal.
I will also celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at St Mary’s Cathedral with the clergy and the faithful of Perth on Tuesday, 22 April 2025 at 12.10pm.
Finally, a reminder that from now until the election of a new Pope, no name is mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer, except for that of the Bishop.
Pray for our dearly departed Holy Father, and let us move forward with hope, guided by the light of our faith and his example.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Requiescat in pace.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
+ Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB ARCHBISHOP OF PERTH
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB presents Pope Francis with a gift in 2019 during the Australian Bishop’s Ad Limina visit. PHOTO: VATICAN MEDIA.
Archbishop Costelloe greets Pope Francis during a meeting with members of the Synod of Bishops in October 2022. PHOTO: THIERRY BONAVENTURA.
ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY COSTELLOE SDB 2025 EASTER MESSAGE
Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate testament to the triumph of hope over despair, of life over death
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we celebrate the season of Easter, I invite you to reflect with me, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, on the words of Saint Paul who assures us that “Hope is not deceptive because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us”. It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to pray as Jesus did, calling God our Abba, our Father.
The Power of Prayer as a source of hope
Although the noisy busyness of our world can make prayer difficult, it remains true that prayer, that deep communication with God, is the bedrock of our faith. It is in our prayers that we can rediscover our bearings when we lose our way. It is in prayer that we can find the strength to face the often daunting challenges of our lives.
In his letter to the Philippians Saint Paul advises them, and also us, in this way: do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Phil 4:6). Many of us will have tried our best to devote a little more time to prayer during Lent. With the celebration of Easter, this invitation to a deeper prayer remains. “Come to me,” the Lord says, “when you labour and our overburdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yolk and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matt 11:28-30). This is the Lord’s own invitation to us to enter into communion with Him, to be drawn into a dialogue of love with Him, to turn our gaze away from ourselves and on to Him, to allow Him to shed light on the difficulties and challenges we face.
Hope in the Face of Challenges
The virtue of hope is central to the Easter message every year but takes on a special importance in this Jubilee Year of Hope.
Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate testament to the triumph of hope over despair, of life over death. It
is a promise that no night is so dark that it cannot be overcome by the dawn of a new day, or that no experience of evil is so powerful that it cannot be overcome by God’s grace.
Like peace, the peace of Christ which the world cannot give, hope too is both a gift and a task. The hope which is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit is very similar to what Saint Paul calls “the love of Christ which urges us on” (2 Cor 5:14). It is what enables us not to give up in the face of difficulties and adversity. It is what inspires us to persevere in our efforts, however insignificant they might seem to others or even to us, to do our best to meet the concrete needs of concrete people, in the concrete realities of their own often broken and fragmented lives. It is what encourages us to be those “healers
Archbishop Costelloe blesses the fire at the 2024 Easter Vigil at St Mary’s Cathedral. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH..
Pope Francis touches a child’s cheek as he leads a special audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on 15 December 2016, for patients and workers of Rome’s Bambino Gesu children’s hospital. PHOTO: CNS/MAX ROSSI, REUTERS.
of people’s wounds and warmers of people’s hearts” which Pope Francis once described as the vocation of the Church today.
In Australia, we pride ourselves on the virtue of mateship, and on our readiness to come quickly to the aid of those in crisis. When floods and bushfires ravage the land, and people’s lives are turned upside down, the best of the Australian character reveals itself. Because this is true of Australians of all faiths and none, it must certainly be true of those who call themselves disciples of Christ. He, after all, is the one who said, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink” (Matt 25:35).
Gratitude for hope promised and fulfilled
In commenting on the gospel story of Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers (cf. Luke 17:11-19) Pope Francis once commented that when gratitude arises in our hearts it is a sign that we have begun to realise that we are loved. This is the precious gift of generosity: not only does it open our own hearts through the joy of being able to see and respond
to the needs of others; it also becomes a source of new life and hope for those who receive whatever gifts we share. This is especially true when we give with the mind and heart of Jesus, which expresses itself with tenderness. This tenderness, says Pope Francis, “is the very sign of Jesus’ presence”. The Easter greeting of Jesus - peace be with you - was for His disciples, after the horror of His crucifixion, a greeting of tenderness, or renewed hope, and of love. Our own gratitude to God for this Easter gift of peace can fan the flame of our desire to share this gift of peace with others. From this sharing of the peace of Christ, not just in words but in actions, wounds will be healed and hearts will be warmed.
In concluding these reflections, I want to thank you for the many ways in which our Catholic communities here in the Archdiocese are already signs and bearers of the peace and hope of the Risen Christ for so many people, both within our Catholic communities and beyond.
Pope Francis, in leading the Church along a Synodal path - along a path of faith which we all travel together - reminds us that we are all brothers and sisters united in the one faith and in the one hope. It is, Pope Francis insists, a faith and hope which the Lord has planted in our own hearts so that, through us, the same faith and hope can be shared with others. We are all, he says, missionary disciples called to bring the light of faith into the darkness of people’s lives. May we continue to be together, and become more and more together, bearers of the Lord’s gift of hope to all.
Happy Easter to you all.
Archbishop Costelloe baptises a catechumen during the 2025 Easter Vigil at St Mary’s Cathedral, Saturday 19 March. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
The Shopfront is an Archdiocesan agency that provides and offers mutual help, assistance and act as a referral to visitors who may be experiencing difficulties dealing with problems in their life i.e. accommodation, budgeting, depression, hunger, loneliness, addictions, violence. PHOTO: JUSTICE GOODRICK.
Personal Advocacy Service is an outreach of the Catholic Church providing one to one friendships and advocacy support for people with intellectual disabilities (PWID). They also assist parishes to identify and actively invite PWID into the full life of their parish community. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
Top: Bishop Don Sproxton blesses a child during the Mass for the Day of the Unborn Child, Saturday, 5 April at St Mary’s Cathedral. PHOTO: RON TAN / ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH. Top Left: Pope Francis greets family members during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on 25 January, 2023. PHOTO: CNS/YARA NARDI, REUTERS.
Top Right: A Ukrainian serviceman walks at the site of a Russian airstrike in Sumy, Ukraine, on Palm Sunday, 13 April 2025, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine. PHOTO: REUTERS/SOFIIA GATILOVA. Bottom Left: Bishop Don blesses members of the congregation during a Mass for Personal Advocacy Service. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Bottom Right: Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and then Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey meet with the now St Paul John Paul II in 2002. PHOTO: SOURCED.
Our world is in desperate need of the Gospel message, says Bishop Don Sproxton: 2025 Easter Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we come together to celebrate Easter, we are reminded of the central truth of our faith: Jesus Christ is risen! This moment, the Resurrection, is not simply an event of the past but a living reality that continues to transform the world today. It is a source of hope, renewal, and joy for all people, regardless of circumstance.
The Resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. As St Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). But Christ has been raised, and in this truth, we find the promise of new life — not only after death but here and now, in our daily lives, relationships, and communities.
The Role of Jesus Christ in Our Lives
The presence of Jesus is not confined to history or to the pages of the Bible. He walks with us today, guiding us in times of difficulty, calling us to love, and urging us to live according to the Gospel. Pope Francis reminds us that “Jesus is the living One, the One who conquered death and sin, the One who is always present in the life of His Church and in the world” (Regina Caeli, 2014).
At Easter, we celebrate not only the victory of Christ over sin and death but also the renewal He brings to our lives. Many in our society experience uncertainty, suffering, and division. Yet, Christ’s Resurrection is a reminder that darkness does not have the final word. He is alive and invites us to open our hearts to His love, which brings healing and peace.
Living the Gospel in Our Families and Friendships
Our world is in desperate need of the Gospel message. In our homes, workplaces, and communities, we must be witnesses of Christ’s love and truth. The Resurrection calls us to renew our commitment to love, forgiveness, and reconciliation — especially within our families and friendships.
Pope John Paul II, a great advocate of Christian family life, taught that “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live” (Homily
in Perth, 1986). Our society can only flourish if our families are built on love, faith, and respect.
How often do we take our loved ones for granted? Easter is a time to reflect on our relationships and make amends where needed. Jesus’ victory over sin reminds us that love, not resentment, should shape our interactions. The Resurrection is the ultimate sign of God’s mercy; we too must be people of mercy, ready to forgive and be reconciled.
Bringing the Light of Christ to Our Society
Jesus’ Resurrection calls us to go beyond our own lives and bring His light into the world. We live in a time where many people feel isolated, burdened by anxiety, or disconnected from their faith. The world tells us to focus on ourselves, but the Gospel teaches us that true fulfillment comes from loving and serving others.
Pope Francis calls us to be “missionary disciples,” saying, “Faith is born and reborn only in the warmth of Christ’s presence, only if we allow ourselves to be touched by Him” (Homily, 2022). If we truly believe in the Resurrection, we must live it by caring for the poor, standing up for truth, and showing kindness to those in need. This Easter, I invite each of you to consider:
• How can I bring the joy of Christ’s Resurrection to someone in need?
• Am I living the Gospel in my daily life, especially with my family and friends?
• Do I trust in Christ’s power to renew and transform my life?
A Call to Hope
Easter is the season of hope. No matter how broken our world may seem, Christ is risen, and His love endures forever. Just as He called Mary Magdalene by name outside the empty tomb, He calls each one of us personally, inviting us to new life in Him. Let us go forward with joy, trusting in the power of the Resurrection. May this Easter bring you and your families peace, renewal, and a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence in your lives.
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Allelluia!
+ Bishop Donald Sproxton AUXILIARY BISHOP OF PERTH
POPE FRANCIS 1935-2025
“A Gift of Love and Service”: Perth Archbishop leads local tributes following the death of Pope Francis
WORDS Jamie O’Brien
commencing his
at the Theological
In a moment of global mourning and solemn reflection, Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88. United States Cardinal Kevin Farrell, chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, announced that Pope Francis had died at 7:35 am (Rome Time) on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within Vatican City.
The day before his death, the Holy Father had appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to give his Easter blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world). His voice was weak and he had trouble raising his arm to make the sign of the cross, but afterward he got into the popemobile and drove through the crowds in St Peter’s Square. Perth Archbishop and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB, led tributes from across Australia and the world, honouring the late Pope’s extraordinary legacy of humility, courage, and mercy.
“A Pope of Simplicity, Humility, and Compassion”
“The sad news of the death of Pope Francis, while it does not come as a surprise given his age and declining health in recent years, will be received with great sadness by Catholics, and by people of goodwill, all over the world,” Archbishop Costelloe said in a national statement released on Monday. Reflecting on Pope Francis’ historic election in 2013 as the first Jesuit, first Latin American, and first nonEuropean pope in over a millennium, Archbishop Costelloe praised his bold pastoral approach and deep personal witness.
“When Cardinal Bergoglio appeared on the balcony overlooking Saint Peter’s Square, his simplicity and humility set the tone for a papacy which would be marked by an emphasis on the mercy and compassion of God,” he said.
“He described the Church as a ‘field hospital’ – a place of healing where wounds could be tended and hearts could be warmed. That image has become
In
speech
and Pastoral Forum, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, third from left, asked how can the process of circularity between all the people of God, the bishops, and the Bishop of Rome, be further developed. PHOTO: CNS/LOLA GOMEZ.
iconic of his papacy and a call to mission for us all.”
A Voice for the Marginalised
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected pope on 13 March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
He quickly became known for his pastoral focus on the poor, the marginalised, and the environment – notably authoring Laudato Si’, a groundbreaking encyclical on ecological justice.
He often eschewed Vatican protocol and privilege, famously choosing simpler living quarters and frequently riding in a modest Ford Focus. His deep Jesuit spirituality shaped his approach to Church leadership, emphasising discernment, humility, and a personal relationship with Christ.
Archbishop Costelloe said that these values were foundational to the Pope’s legacy.
“His approach to leadership and service has been, and will continue to be, profoundly marked by his Jesuit background, reflecting a deep personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to making the Church a more inclusive, compassionate, and merciful place for all,” Archbishop Costelloe said in a pastoral statement to the Perth Catholic community.
A Shepherd for the Whole World
Pope Francis’ death sparked tributes from political leaders, ecumenical and interfaith figures, and millions of Catholics worldwide.
While his papacy was not without controversy, especially amid internal debates over Church teachings and pastoral priorities, his steadfast commitment to dialogue and reconciliation made him a beloved global figure.
“He himself insisted that he was ‘a loyal son of the Church’ who, in recognising his own sinfulness, had come to understand that it was the task of the Church, as it was the task of Christ, to embrace people in their brokenness and fragility and lead them to healing and wholeness,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.
In recent years, Pope Francis had increasingly turned his focus to synodality – encouraging global conversations about how the Church could become more listening, inclusive, and mission-focused.
Archbishop Costelloe played a key role in this movement through the Plenary Council of Australia and his contributions to the ongoing Synod on Synodality.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB with Pope Francis in October 2024 during the Synod of Bishops. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
US Cardinal Kevin Farrell, chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, uses holy water to bless the body of Pope Francis in his coffin in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, at the Vatican 21 April 2025. PHOTO: CNS / VATICAN MEDIA ; A light shines on a replica of Pope Francis’ pectoral cross above his tomb in the side aisle of Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major early on 27 April, 2025. PHOTO: CNS/LOLA GOMEZ. Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, pictured as a young man in back second from left, and his family members are seen in this undated handout photo. PHOTO: CNS/CLARIN HANDOUT VIA REUTERS.
“We
POPE FRANCIS 1935 - 2025
Mourn and We Weep”: Archbishop Costelloe leads Perth Catholic community in farewell to Pope Francis
WORDS Jamie O’Brien
As bells tolled across Perth and the midday sun streamed through the stained-glass windows of St Mary’s Cathedral, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB led some 1500 Catholic and non-Catholic faithful in a solemn Pontifical Mass to mourn the death of Pope Francis. The liturgy, held at 12.10pm on Tuesday 22 April at St Mary’s Cathedral, was filled with reverence and raw emotion as Western Australians came together to honour the life and legacy of a pope who, as Archbishop Costelloe said, “touched the hearts of people all over the world with his humility, his simplicity, and his insistence that the Church must be a field hospital for the wounded.”
Joining Archbishop Costelloe to concelebrate the Mass was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Vicar General the Very Rev Fr Vincent
Glynn, Vicar for Clergy the Very Rev Fr Minh Thuy Nguyen, Cathedral Dean Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Cathedral Assistant priests Fr Richard Smith, as MC Fr Jason Yeap, together with some 35 priests from across the Archdiocese.
Speaking Tuesday morning, Archbishop Costelloe, who is also President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, confirmed he would fly to Rome to represent the Australian Catholic Bishops at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Speaking to The Record, Archbishop Costelloe said the Holy Father’s final appearance on Easter Sunday gave many a sense of hope that he might yet recover.
“We saw him bless children, smile, offer his Easter greetings,” Archbishop Costelloe
In a powerful homily during Tuesday’s Solemn Pontifical Mass, Archbishop Cos-telloe reflected on the Gospel story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb—a story, he noted, which mirrors the global Church’s own grief. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
highlighted. “And so, when the news of his death came just a day later, it was a shock. Like Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb, we mourn, and we weep.”
A Shepherd of Action and Compassion
In a powerful homily during Tuesday’s Mass, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on the Gospel story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb — a story, he noted, which mirrors the global Church’s own grief.
“Many people throughout the world, and perhaps many here in the Cathedral today, are also weeping, openly or in their hearts,” he said.
“As we seek to come to terms with the desperately sad news of the death of Pope Francis, we find ourselves much like Mary — lost in sorrow, longing for a sign.”
Yet, just as Jesus appeared to Mary and called her by name, Archbishop Costelloe reminded those gathered that Jesus now calls Pope Francis, “as He once called him to the papacy, and as He once called each of us to be His disciples.”
What stood out most for Archbishop Costelloe was the authenticity of Pope Francis’ love in action.
“He fed the hungry, brought sight to the blind, and set captives free — not only physically, but spiritually,” he said.
In recent weeks, despite fragile health, Pope Francis visited prisoners in a Roman jail during Holy Week. “He could no longer kneel to wash their feet,” Archbishop Costelloe said, “but he knelt with his heart, assuring them that they were not forgotten.”
“A Brother, A Friend, A Pastor”
Archbishop Costelloe also spoke about the deep pastoral heart of Pope Francis — someone who sought not to be an untouchable figurehead, but a fellow pilgrim.
“He wants to be our brother, he wants to be our friend,” he said. “This closeness to others defined the life and ministry of Pope Francis.”
Archbishop Costelloe’s message was deeply personal, encouraging the people of Perth to carry Pope Francis’ memory in their hearts and live out his legacy in the way they care for others.
“Now we must let go, as Mary Magdalene had to let go of Jesus. And we must go out and share the good news — not only in words, but in lives that heal wounds and warm hearts,” he said.
Conclave to elect next pope will begin May 7
At the time of going to print, it was understood that the 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next pope will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave on Wednesday 7 May.
The cardinals will first celebrate the “Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff” in St Peter’s Basilica that morning before processing into the Sistine Chapel that evening.
The date for the conclave was set during the fifth general congregation meeting of cardinals April 28, Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, told reporters at a briefing later that day. The general congregation meeting was the first after a two-day pause to allow cardinals to participate in the funeral rites for Pope Francis.
Priests from across the Archdiocese came together Tuesday 22 April 2025 at St Mary’s Cathedral for the Solemn Pontifical Mass following the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday 21 April at Casa Santa Marta. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB led some 1500 Catholic and nonCatholic faithful in a Solemn Pontifical Mass to mourn the death of Pope Francis, Tuesday 22 April at St Mary’s Cathedral. PHOTO: RON TAN/ ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Archbishop Costelloe launches Jubilee Year of Hope with stirring message of faith and mercy
WORDS Michelle Tan
ON SUNDAY 29 December 2024, the Catholic community of Perth gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for the launch of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. In celebrating the 11am Mass, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB urged the faithful - who had packed the Cathedral to standing-room-only - to look to the Holy Family of Nazareth as a source of hope and inspiration in times of challenge.
This celebration marked the beginning of a global initiative established by Pope Francis in his Bull of Indiction, Spes non confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), inviting the Church worldwide to a time of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
The 2025 Jubilee theme, Pilgrims
of Hope
Jubilee Years, celebrated every 25 years, are sacred times for spiritual growth, emphasising God’s boundless mercy, the call to reconciliation, and the opportunity for conversion. This tradition dates back to the year 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII inaugurated the first Jubilee Year.
Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” offering a timely message for a world still grappling with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the devastation of war, and the escalating climate crisis.
The Holy Father marked the beginning of the Jubilee
Year on Christmas Eve by opening the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, symbolising the pathway to grace and renewal. During the ceremony, he prayed for softened hearts, that “enemies may speak to each other again, adversaries may join hands, and people seek to meet together.”
Pope Francis also reminded the faithful that Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one can ever separate us from God’s love.
A Journey of Mercy and Faith
During Archbishop Costelloe’s homily, he shared that the theme that Pope Francis has chosen, ties together his deep conviction in the unfailing merciful love of God and the way this mercy accompanies us on our journey through life.
“We are called to be Pilgrims of Hope — people on a journey, always open to the mercy of God. It is this merciful love that, the more we embrace and accept it, provides a solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. It assures us that, unless we deliberately and willfully turn our backs on it, God’s grace will always strengthen us in our struggles, heal us of our brokenness, and bring us the peace of forgiveness when our hearts and spirits are tormented by sin.”
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB sprinkles parishioners with holy water during the launch of the 2025 Jubilee Year in a packed St Mary’s Cathedral. PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Archbishop Costelloe highlighted the new year as an opportunity to rediscover God’s ceaseless offer of love and mercy. Reflecting on the Christmas season, he pointed out how the incarnation of Jesus reveals God’s relentless pursuit of humanity. “Every word Jesus speaks, every miracle He performs, every encounter He has with people, reveals the deepest truth of who God really is.”
He emphasised that Christ’s acts of forgiveness and healing — from His words on the cross to His compassion for the leper — are powerful demonstrations of God’s mercy. However, our own “hardness of heart, which closes us in on ourselves and leads us to push God out of our lives” is an obstacle to us receiving God’s love.
An Invitation to Open the Door
Archbishop Costelloe concluded his homily with a powerful invitation to respond to God’s persistent call: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.”
“The Lord Jesus stands at the door of our lives, at the door of our hearts,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “He knocks with one hand, holding in the other the gifts of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and healing. We must be attentive, for often He knocks gently, and we may struggle to hear Him amid the busyness and noise of our lives.”
He urged the faithful to embrace hope and trust in God’s unfailing love. “We will need courage,” he said, “for there may be within each of us a fear or suspicion that, if we let the Lord in, He may ask more of us than we’re willing to give. But most of all, we need hope. As St Paul reminds us, neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The launch of the Jubilee Year of Hope invites all to embark on the journey of faith, confident in the unshakeable promise of God’s love and mercy. In a world longing for healing and reconciliation, it serves as a timely reminder that, through Christ, hope truly does not disappoint.
Link to Papal Bull: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/ bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_ bolla-giubileo2025.html
Below: Archbishop Costelloe blesses a man outside St Mary’s Cathedral following the Mass for the launch of the Jubilee Year, Sunday 29 December. PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
St Mary’s Cathedral’s Acolyte Robert Nguyen lights the Jubilee Candles in preparation for the Mass. PHOTO: ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH / MICHELLE TAN.
Archbishop Costelloe with Cathedral parishioners PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH
Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton greets parishioners and visitors after the 2025 Jubilee Year Launch. PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Identitywa “big in vision” says Archbishop Costelloe, at opening of new homes
WORDS Jamie O’Brien
HAVING a big vision, when it comes to making a real difference in people’s lives, means that you also have to have a large heart. These were the words of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB in officially blessing and opening three new homes in East Cannington for Identitywa on Wednesday 6 March.
Leading the proceedings was Identitywa Board Chair Graeme Mander, together with fellow Board members, CEO Marina Re and Identitywa staff who worked on the project.
In welcoming all those present, Mr Mander explained the driving force behind constructing the new homes was the ongoing shortage of accessible housing in the Perth metropolitan area.
“A key outcome for us is empowering people supported by Identitywa to live more independently. So far, we’ve welcomed six people into their new homes, and we are excited to be welcoming four more people in the coming weeks,” Mr Mander said.
“Building a new home is an exciting journey filled with both joys and challenges. It takes dedication and strong collaboration between all parties involved to bring the vision to life, especially given today’s climate here in WA, where price increases and supply shortages continue to impact the industry post-pandemic,” he said.
City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall was also present for the occasion, cutting the ribbon to officially open the new homes together with Archbishop Costelloe,
Identitywa CEO Marina Re, City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Identitywa Board Chair Graeme Mander cut the ribbon to the new homes in East Cannington, Wednesday 6 March. PHOTO: JUSTICE GOODRICK.
Graeme Mander and Marina Re.
Mayor Hall congratulated Identitywa on the successful completion of the homes, and highlighted the importance for the City of Canning to support diverse housing options.
Mr Mander paid tribute to Mayor Hall and the City of Canning.
“If it wasn’t for the support of the City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall, Interim CEO Stephen Cain, the City of Canning Planning team and Cameron Leckey from Rise Urban, we wouldn’t be standing here today,” Mr Mander explained.
“My sincere thanks to you Mayor Hall for your support and belief in our mission. You were instrumental in us attaining planning permission and we are very thankful,” he said.
As part of the blessing of the homes, a short liturgy was conducted, supported by staff from Identitywa, who explained the use of each area, while Archbishop Costelloe sprinkled holy water.
The three state-of-the-art design of the homes have been built focussed on the needs of people with disability, including one for participants who require high physical support and two for those who require homes with improved liveability.
A total of 10 people will be able to live in these high-quality homes.
Some of the design features of the new homes include master sized bedrooms with accessible ensuites, large open plan living spaces, ceiling hoist infrastructure, alfresco areas and water wise garden areas, in addition to wide corridors for ease of movement and safety.
Partnering with innovative building company INKA, the homes were built with an innovative construction method that sees quicker results than traditional building methods.
Speaking about the history of Identitywa, Archbishop Costelloe highlighted while the Archdiocesan agency no longer fits the description ‘humble in size,’ the description “big in vision” certainly does.
“Having a big vision, when it comes to making a real difference in people’s lives, means that you also have to have a large heart,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.
“I would say that my experience of IdentityWA is that those who lead and those who support this agency are large-hearted people.
“People who understand that underneath and reaching beyond differences of culture, religion, political affiliation, and whatever skills and talents individuals may have.
“There lies the truth that every single human person, simply by virtue of his or her belonging to the human family, is equal in dignity, equal in worth, and as we Christians would certainly say, equally loved and cherished by God.
Identitywa CEO Marina Re also expressed her thanks to all involved, highlighting the building process has been a fantastic experience for all those involved.
A registered NDIS provider, Identitywa is one of WA’s leading agencies supporting people with disability to live the life they choose. For more information, go to www. identitywa.com.au or call 9474 3033.
In welcoming all those present, Mr Mander explained the driving force behind constructing the new homes was the ongoing shortage of accessible housing in the Perth metropolitan area. PHOTO: JUSTICE GOODRICK.
City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall congratulated Identitywa on the successful completion of the homes and highlighted the importance for the City of Canning to support diverse housing options. PHOTO: JUSTICE GOODRICK.
Faith in Fire: FMI missionary brings hope, healing to Uganda’s spiritual frontlines
WORDS The Record
IN THE dusty hills and vibrant villages of southern Uganda, a mission of faith is lighting hearts on fire — literally and spiritually.
Perth-based Flame Ministries International Senior Director, Cyrus D’Souza has recently returned from the East African nation for a second time, representing Flame Ministries International (FMI), bringing with him a message of hope, healing, and deliverance.
“I’m not alone in this,” the missionary and evangelist shared.
“Every time I stand to preach, I know my community in Perth and across Australia is praying for me. This is a mission we carry together.”
“Our founder Eddie Russell went on mission to Uganda several times many years ago and I am really pleased to be continuing this mission,” Cyrus explained.
Cyrus first visited Uganda in late 2023, following an invitation from the Holy Trinity Community in the Diocese of Masaka.
His return this summer — from 26 November to 11 January — has seen him traverse remote communities, ministering from early morning to late into the night.
“This is where the people are hungry,” he said.
Flame Ministries International Cyrus D’Souza with friends from the Diocese of Masaka, Uganda, during his visit in November 2024. Cyrus first visited Uganda in late 2023, following an invitation from the Holy Trinity Community in the Archdiocese of Masaka. His mission saw him traverse remote communities, ministering from early morning to late into the night. PHOTO: CYRUS D’SOUZA/SUPPLIED.
Masaka Bishop Serverus Jjumba with FMI Senior Director Cyrus D’Souza.
PHOTO: CYRUS D’SOUZA/SUPPLIED.
“Hungry for the Word, hungry for the truth — hungry for God.”
Evangelisation on the Edge
From the outset, the mission was intense, Cyrus explained. Just hours after arriving, Cyrus noted he was preaching in the villages — sometimes for 12 hours at a stretch. Through seminars, youth conferences, rural outreaches, and retreats, he’s delivered messages of forgiveness, repentance, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
In one village, Kyotera, a broken-down car meant a long walk and shared taxis just to make it to a scheduled event. “We arrived nearly two hours late,” Cyrus recounted. “But the church was still full — and we went straight into a four-hour preaching session. God had prepared their hearts.”
Yet the mission field is not without its spiritual challenges.
Battling
Darkness with Light
Witchcraft, superstition, and even cannibalism remain deeply entrenched in parts of Uganda. “People live in fear of curses and demonic influence,” Cyrus explained. “There’s a spiritual desperation here — but nothing is impossible for God.”
He recalled a two-day mission where he called the faithful to renounce superstition and seek reconciliation. “Many people went to confession,” he said. “Priests told me they hadn’t seen that kind of response before. It’s not just preaching — it’s God moving in their lives.”
Fr Anthony, a Franciscan priest overseeing the Padre Pio Healing Centre, echoed this. He invited Cyrus to preach at the centre, which itself sits on land formerly occupied by four witchdoctors.
“The power of the Eucharist and consistent prayer has changed the spiritual atmosphere,” Fr Anthony shared. “Cyrus’ message of freedom and healing has helped continue that transformation.”
A People of Faith
While spiritual oppression is real, Cyrus says the Ugandan people are incredibly resilient — especially the women.
“Many women here carry entire families on their own,” he said. “Alcoholism and abandonment among men is sadly common, and HIV has left a generation of orphans. But the faith of these women — their strength — it’s humbling.”
One woman with eight children was raising them alone after her husband left. “I told her she was rich — not in the world’s eyes, but in God’s kingdom. That’s where real value lies.”
A Joyful Witness
Whether sharing meals of fried grasshoppers with local sisters (crispy and delicious, according to Cyrus), or leading sessions for charismatic youth, Cyrus brings joy and cultural connection to his ministry.
He often reminds his audiences of simple truths: “Jesus wasn’t born in poverty — He was born in humility. There’s a difference.”
In one prayer group, Cyrus watched children as young as two dance and praise. “That’s the Church — alive, joyful, full of hope.”
A Mission Shared
Though on the other side of the world, Cyrus insists he is not working alone.
“This mission belongs to all of us at FMI,” he said. “The intercessors, the donors, the supporters — they are missionaries too. Spiritually, we’re united.”
As he prepared to return to Perth, Cyrus carried Uganda in his heart — and has already been invited back for 2025.
“Though the mission is far away, it is still home,” he said. “Because it’s for the building up of the Body of Christ. It is for our growth as Church.”
People gathered in their hundreds during the recent visit of FMI Senior Director Cyus D’Souza to Uganda. PHOTO: CYRUS D’SOUZA/SUPPLIED.
While spiritual oppression is real, Cyrus says the Ugandan people are incredibly resilient. PHOTO: CYRUS D’SOUZA/SUPPLIED
Safeguarding commended in the Archdiocese of Perth
WORDS Office of Communications
THE ARCHDIOCESE of Perth in January welcomed an inaugural audit of its safeguarding policies and practices, which found that the Archdiocese has implemented or substantially progressed 90 per cent of relevant indicators from the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS).
Conducted by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd (ACSL) in collaboration with Australian Audit, the audit took place between July and September 2024. Fieldwork during the audit period included visits to 27 parishes, seven agencies, three chaplaincies and three communities of the Archdiocese, in addition to interviews with diocesan leaders and key personnel. Key strengths identified by the auditors included a strong public commitment to safeguarding in the Archdiocese and an extensive safeguarding program with a network of dedicated volunteers in parishes and ministries:
• The auditors noted that the Archdiocese has a strong public commitment to safeguarding that includes taking a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.
• The Archdiocese’s network of dedicated
safeguarding officers, all of whom are volunteers, was noted as essential for developing and sustaining a culture of safety in the parishes and agencies of the Archdiocese.
• The Archdiocese’s establishment of a centralised Safeguarding Program Office was commended, with the auditors noting the extensive support, advice and resources provided by the office to parishes and ministries.
• Policies and procedures of the Archdiocese were identified as comprehensive, thoroughly documented, reviewed regularly, easily accessible and championed by leaders.
The Archdiocese of Perth acknowledges that the final report includes a number of areas where enhancements can and will be made.
These areas include:
• Providing additional support and direction to members of the clergy to facilitate an increase
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, front, with Safeguarding Program Director, Barbara Blayney, right, then-Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Greg Russo, back row second from left, Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Safeguarding Program Co-ordinator, Thomas Law and representatives from National Catholic Safeguarding Ltd with the Certificate of Compliance. PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
The Archdiocese of Perth has welcomed an inaugural audit of its safeguarding policies and practices, which found that the Archdiocese has implemented or substantially progressed 90 per cent of relevant indicators from the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.
in regular participation and access to existing professional/pastoral supervision, mentoring and programmes of ongoing formation.
• Areas for growth included the recommendation that the archdiocesan-wide risk framework be extended to encompass further risk management practices in parishes. It was noted that the recent appointment of an Archdiocesan Risk and Compliance Manager will help to advance this work.
•The report acknowledged that an extensive range of resources have been developed for the safeguarding of children. However additional resources for promoting the protection of adults at risk would be beneficial in parish and ministry settings.
• While cultural safety training is available, the report suggested that further promotion and adoption in parishes is required to ensure personnel are equipped to create culturally safe environments.
Following the official release of the Archdiocese’s First Audit Report, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB expressed his gratitude to the auditors for taking the time to conduct the audit and for compiling their observations in the audit report.
“This report will serve as an invaluable resource that will guide our safeguarding endeavours in the months and years ahead,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “We are encouraged by the positive outcomes
contained in this report and recommit ourselves anew to addressing areas noted for improvement, doing whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all who engage in the settings and ministries of our Archdiocese,” he said.
Archbishop Costelle continued by saying that on behalf of the Archdiocese of Perth, he reaffirms that the protection of children and vulnerable adults remains the Church’s highest priority.
“We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of children and adults at risk within our parishes, agencies and organisations,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.
“I am pleased to report that work has already commenced in the areas identified by the audit for further development. This will augment our safeguarding program and strengthen existing activities and practices,” he said.
Archbishop Costelloe also added that all those who work tirelessly in the Archdiocese in support of our Safeguarding Program – in our parishes, agencies, organisations and ministries – employees and volunteers - are all appreciated and valued.
“I sincerely thank each and every one of you,”
Archbishop Costelloe said.
“But our work in promoting and providing absolute places of safety for children and adults at risk in our Church knows no boundary, no timeframes.
“We must, together, remain vigilant, committed, responsive and adaptive to ensue we deliver the best possible safeguarding program in the Archdiocese,” Archbishop Costelloe concluded.
PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Newly renovated Cottesloe Parish hall the new hub for community
WORDS Jamie O’Brien
COTTESLOE Mosman Park Parish community has been blessed with the re-opening and blessing of their newly renovated hall on Sunday 2 March.
Celebrating the occasion was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton who was joined by Parish Priest Fr Marcelo Parra-Gonzalez, Assistant Priest Fr Grzegorz Rapcewicz, Redemptoris Mater Seminary Rector, Fr Michael Moore SM and Midland Parish Priest Fr Rodrigo Da CostaPonte.
More than 500 people from across Perth came together for the occasion, including builder Peter Colli, his family and building team.
Originally opened as a parish and school hall on 8 November 1925 by then Archbishop Patrick Clune, the building was said to have cost about £4000 pounds. It was built to cope with the growing intellectual and spiritual needs of the young generation of Cottesloe. At its peak, it was housing 130 students; however, the school closed in 1962 with students sent to Loreto in Claremont.
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Sproxton recalled his own experience with his own teacher, Peter Mitchell, who instilled in him the values of the Gospel through
the educational approach “Making Jesus Real.”
Highlighting the relational aspect of Jesus’ teachings, Bishop Sproxton described the dynamic between a teacher and their students, urging the community to view Jesus as the ultimate teacher whose lessons carry through to everyday life.
“The best teacher knows the content and can pass it on so we can understand,” he remarked, drawing a parallel to how faith leaders should engage with their communities.
In a touching note, Bishop Sproxton also conveyed Pope Francis’ recent messages of hope and renewal.
Bishop Sproxton shared insights from the Holy Father’s letter marking the beginning of Lent, calling it a journey of conversion and hope reminiscent of the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt.
This journey, according to Pope Francis, should be one of communal support and self-examination, questioning daily whether one’s actions contribute to a shared journey of faith and hope.
Sharing his experience for the occasion, parishioner and builder Peter Colli said the parish now has a tasteful, welcoming hall that all can be proud of, most
The newly renovated Cottesloe-Mosman Park Parish Hall, which was officially re-opened and blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Sunday 2 March 2025. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
importantly for the future. Some of the renovations of the hall included, the removal of all external render, new toilet block with new plumbing fixtures and relocation of the kitchen with major kitchen upgrade, increase incoming power, removal of the old ceiling and replace with new ceiling, new air-conditioning, new audio and projector system, new internal and external lights and a new security cameras and alarm.
“I am very proud to announce on behalf of everyone involved, that we have completed the project four months in advance and 20 per cent under budget,” Mr Colli said.
“This couldn’t have happened without a strong team effort and I’m very grateful to all of those involved,” he said.
In addition to the parish finance team, construction team, Mr Colli also expressed his thanks to Fr Marcelo and Fr Grzegorz for their continued forward thinking.
“To leave our parish in a better place, long after they leave. I’m sure you would agree, he has inspired many of us,” Mr Colli explained.
“This project has delivered a strong sense of fulfilment, proudness and giving back to our parish,” he said.
In blessing the newly renovated hall, Bishop Sproxton commended the collective effort that made the renovation possible, calling the facility a “very beautiful and functional asset” for the parish and neighbouring communities.
He expressed confidence that the new hall would become a hub for workshops and faith formation, enhancing the parish’s capability to host and support a variety of church functions and community gatherings.
Builder Peter Colli said he is very proud to announce on behalf of everyone involved, that the project was completed four months in advance and 20 per cent under budget. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Bishop Sproxton expressed confidence that the new hall would become a hub for workshops and faith formation. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN.
Celebrating the occasion was Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton who was joined by Parish Priest Fr Marcelo Parra-Gonzalez and Assistant Priest Fr Grzegorz Rapcewicz. PHOTO: JAMIE O’BRIEN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Catholic Youth Assembly launches with spirit of listening and mission
WORDS Jamie O’Brien
“YOUNG people, your voice matters — because through you, the Holy Spirit speaks to the Church.”
This was the central message from Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB as he officially launched the Catholic Youth Assembly at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, on Friday 7 March 2025.
Gathering more than 300 young people from across the Archdiocese, the evening marked a historic moment: the beginning of a synodal journey where the youth of Perth will shape the future of the local Church through prayer, listening, dialogue, and discernment.
A Church that Listens
Archbishop Costelloe opened the evening by reminding young people that the Catholic Church, if it is to be faithful to Christ’s call, must be a Church that listens — not only to bishops and priests but to every member of the Body of Christ.
“A synodal Church is a listening Church,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Listening means more than just hearing. It means paying deep attention, recognising that every person — including you, our young people — has something vital to teach us about what God is asking of us today,” he said.
Drawing on his experience at the global Synod of Bishops in Rome, Archbishop Costelloe explained that the synodal path is not about majority rule or
popularity contests, but about discerning together the voice of the Holy Spirit. “If we do not hear the voices of young people, then we may be missing out on what the Lord wants to say to His Church through you,” he said.
Building on a Foundation of Formation
Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, also addressed the gathering, encouraging young people to see this as not only a council for governance but a journey of faith and missionary discipleship.
Reflecting on the Archdiocese’s recent Diocesan Assembly, Fr Vincent explained the critical role of formation in developing a culture of genuine synodal conversation.
“Formation teaches us to listen — not defensively or competitively, but in openness to the Holy Spirit,” Fr Vincent said.
“It doesn’t come naturally in a noisy world, but with practice and prayer, we learn to hear not just each other, but God speaking through one another.”
Fr Vincent also highlighted that through baptism, all young people are called and equipped to participate fully in the life of the Church.
“Never doubt that the Holy Spirit can speak through you,” he affirmed.
“This Assembly is not just a meeting; it’s a step towards creating a Youth Council that represents your hopes, your faith, and your missionary zeal.”
The Catholic Youth Assembly was officially launched on Friday 7 March with great energy and enthusiasm. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
A Spirit-Filled Beginning
Catholic Youth Ministry Director Adam Phillips spoke of the significance of the moment, saying it was “a day that will be remembered in the history of our Archdiocese.”
“We are so blessed to be part of a Church that invites the young to be part of its decision-making,”
Mr Phillips said.
“Tonight is the start of something beautiful — a community of young people discerning together how we are called to walk with Christ and bring His hope to the world.”
He encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity with open hearts.
“Bring your dreams, bring your concerns, bring your faith. God is calling you — not tomorrow, not someday, but right now.”
The launch and following listening and discernment sessions will include times of worship, prayer, and small group discussions, allowing young people
to begin practicing the synodal process of mutual listening and discernment.
A Future Full of Hope
Looking ahead, the Catholic Youth Assembly is currently conducting several listening and discernment sessions to deepen formation in synodal dialogue and to work towards establishing a Youth Council for the Archdiocese of Perth later in the year.
As Archbishop Costelloe concluded, the journey ahead will require patience, humility, and courage — but the rewards will be great.
“We are walking together, not just with each other, but with Christ,” he said.
“May this Assembly be a sign that the Spirit is alive and moving in the young people of Perth, calling us forward with hope.”
From left: Youth listen as Archbishop Timothy Costelloe speaks at the launch of the Catholic Youth Assembly, Friday 7 March. Catholic Youth Ministry Director Adam Phillips encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity with open hearts. CYM Mission & Ministry Coordinator Penny Watt speaks. Youth from the Vietnamese Catholic Community came together for the launch of the Catholic Youth Assembly. PHOTO: RON TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
New Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS called to emulate St Joseph
WORDS Jamie O’Brien
SAINT JOSEPH was certainly close to God, open and attentive to all that God asked of him, no matter how confusing or daunting God’s plan for him seemed to be,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe of Perth SDB has said in a poignant homily at the ordination and installation of Salvatorian priest Fr George Kolodziej as the fifth Bishop of Bunbury.
Bishop George was ordained and installed at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Bunbury, on March 19, on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. The Diocese of Bunbury, which covers the south-western parts of Western Australia, spans an area one and half times that of England.
Joining Archbishop Costelloe as co-consecrators was Bunbury Bishop Emeritus Gerard Holohan and fellow Salvatorian Port Pirie Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS.
More than 19 fellow Bishops from across
Australia, including Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey and Broome Bishop Tim Norton were also present.
Also present for the occasion was Apostolic Nuncio Charles Balvo, who presented the Papal Bull.
The whole Bunbury Catholic community came together for the occasion, including clergy, seminarians, acolytes, altar servers, musicians and choir members, Salvatorian priests from across Australia, representatives from Catholic Education Western Australia Ltd and Catholic Religious Australia.
Continuing his homily Archbishop Costelloe SDB highlighted that Bishop George’s middle name is Joseph.
“Perhaps today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, we might look to him as a model of this tender and compassionate
Newly ordained Bishop George Kolodziej SDS blesses the people of Bunbury during his Episcopal Ordination as the new Bishop of Bunbury at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Wednesday 19 March 2025. PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
presence to others, a model especially, though not only, for our soon-to-be Bishop George,”
Archbishop Costelloe said.
“Saint Joseph was certainly close to God, open and attentive to all that God asked of him, no matter how confusing or daunting God’s plan for him seemed to be.
“When he awoke from his troubling dreams, the scriptures tell us, he did what the angel told him, acting decisively and courageously.
“Bishop George has done the very same: when he ‘awoke’ - that is when he recovered from the shock of (Apostolic Nuncio) Archbishop Balvo’s phone call - he did what the Lord was asking, through the request of Pope Francis. He said yes to the Pope’s invitation to become your bishop,” Archbishop Costelloe continued.
As part of the episcopal ordination, each parish representative presented soil from their region as a symbol of unity, which was then presented to the new Bishop.
Bishop George, 56, was born in Dobra, Poland, and has been the Superior of the Salvatorians in Australia since October 2018.
Until recently, we was Director of the Salvatorian Spirituality Centre in Perth and is a member of the Council of Catholic Religious Australia, as well as serving as a chaplain for Catholic Education Western Australia.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1994 by Krakow Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, he was sent to the Australian region of the Salvatorians, where he undertook pastoral work in the Archdiocese of Perth and the Diocese of Bunbury.
Having served in the parish of Greenmount and Chisholm Catholic College, he was elected Vice Superior of the Salvatorian Region of Australia in December 1999.
In December 2000, Fr George began ministry in the Diocese of Broken Bay (NSW), serving as school chaplain at St Leo’s Catholic College
(2001-2008), assistant priest at Pymble Parish (2001-2003), East Gosford Parish (2003-2008), and later Parish Priest of Pittwater Parish (2008–2018).
Continuing his homily, Archbishop Costelloe also spoke about Pope Francis’ teachings on the essential qualities of a bishop, emphasising closeness to God, brother bishops, priests, and the people of God as foundational for effective ministry.
“Sometimes he will be in the midst of his flock, rejoicing in the faith and commitment of his fellow disciples and affirming them in their lives and ministries,” Archbishop Costelloe explained. “And sometimes he will be at the rear of the flock, encouraging those who are struggling, uncertain, and even a little lost.
“But always he will be with his flock, reminding them that it is the Lord Jesus whom we all follow and to whom we all seek to be faithful. It will be the bishop’s task and his privilege, in other words, always to point to Christ, never to himself,” he said.
Archbishop Costelloe concluded by noting that as Pope Francis has underlined by his decision to include Saint Joseph by name in all our Eucharistic Prayers, Saint Joseph is close to the Church, the living body of Christ, the beloved family of God.
“For Bishop George, whose middle name is Joseph, we pray that the “Fatherliness” of Saint Joseph, expressed through tenderness and compassion, but also through courage and fidelity, will be a source of inspiration and hope as he begins this new ministry as father and brother to the Church in this Diocese of Bunbury,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Visit https://archdioceseofperth.pic-time.com/ MmQhLQe4CeN2V to view the full photo album
Newly ordained Bishop George Kolodziej SDS with priests of the Bunbury Diocese following his Episcopal Ordination as the new Bishop of Bunbury PHOTO: MICHELLE TAN/ARCHDIOCESE OF PERTH.
Apple & Raspberry Crumble Cake with Flaked Almonds
SERVES 10-12
RECIPE Sourced
INGREDIENTS
For the cake batter
• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g plain flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 120ml milk
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 150g fresh or frozen raspberries
For the crumble topping
• 75g plain flour
• 50g brown sugar
• 50g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 40g flaked almonds
Optional: Icing sugar, for dusting
METHOD
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 20–23cm (8–9 inch) round springform cake tin.
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the flaked almonds and refrigerate until needed.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add half to the wet ingredients and mix gently. Pour in the milk, then add the remaining flour mix and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced apples and raspberries. Be careful not to crush the raspberries too much.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the batter to fully cover it.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and crisp.
8. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally dust with icing sugar before serving.
1 “If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a ____” (I Jn 4:20) 2 Stuff of creation
Word of praise
A sacrament is an outward ____ 5 “Love is not jealous, it does not put on ___.” (1 Cor 13:4)
___ of Prague 9 US state where the Diocese of Little Rock is found
7 Church runway 8 Member of a certain religious order 10 Hail Mary or Grace before meals 12 Patron saint of young girls 13 Paul preached in ____ Minor
Saul’s general
Communion wafer 20 Tunic-like vestment 21 Poor ____ (religious order) 22 Papal representative 25 Tribe of Israel 26 “…but do not perceive the wooden ___ in your own?” (Mt 7:3) 27 Explorer priest
Son of Adam
An epistle
____ on of hands
Biblical animal of transport
POPE FRANCIS
