2009 CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION COMPLETION SPECIAL
EVE
"Be indefatigable in your purpose and with undaunted spirit resist iniquity and try to conquer evil with good, having before your eyes the reward of those who combat for Christ." -BISHOP MATTHEW GIBNEY 1874
THE PARISH. THE NATION. THE WORLD. www.therecord.com.au
Western Australia's award-winning Catholic newspaper - Wednesday December 9 2009
A dream is fulfilled
Perth, Western Australia $2
Historic moment: After almost exactly 145 years, Perth's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is finally completed
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands completed as worshippers file out of the building after the official opening and re-consecration by Archbishop Barry Hickey on Tuesday evening.
three attempts 'A witness to After across three different centuries, 1100 celebrated beauty and people the completion of St Mary's last love of God' TuesdayCathedral evening. But Here is the text of Archbishop Hickey's homily for the opening and rededication of St Mary's Cathedral
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n an occasion like this, local history becomes especially significant. The 8th December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is an important day for the Archdiocese of Perth. Fr John Brady, later Bishop Brady, the first Bishop of Perth, arrived in Fremantle on 8th December 1843. With lightning speed, on 16th January 1844, Fr Brady laid the foundation stone of the first C atholic Church, which later Please turn to Page 11
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the moment was not just historic. In a country that so often says God is dead, Perth Catholics showed there really is a viable alternative. God is back. BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter AFTER 166 years in the making, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was opened and re-dedicated in ablaze ofglory on December 8, with Archbishop Barry Hickey concelebrating with 24 Bishops and approximately 191 priests from around Australia and two from Spain.
With Sydney Cardinal George Pell, Papal Nuncio to Australia Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto and Melkite Greek-Catholic Eparch Archbishop Issam John Darwish, among others, it was a unifying event for the Church in Australia. "My hope is that this place of worship, with its delightful spire and gleaming in the bright Perth sun, will proclaim to all who pass by the beauty and love of God, and be a beacon that reflects the light of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and the role of the sinless Mary Immaculate in offering her Son, Jesus to the world as its Saviour," Archbishop Hickey said in his homily. He said that the Aboriginal Pathway near the entrance to the Cathedral deserves "special a ttention". Drawn by local Nyoongar woman Laurel Nannup, it describes in 16 panels the life of the Aboriginal people at the time of the first Cathedral, and the coming of Christianity. He said that the Cathedral itself is a history lesson about the Church in Western Australia, and a lesson in Christian theology with the stained glass windows and litur-
PHOTO: P CASAMENTO
A small girl is held aloft during the historic ceremony last Tuesday evening as worshippers welcome their new mother Church.
gical and sacramental elements like the altar, baptisimal font and lecturn, which has on its stem the symbols of the four Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Cardinal Pell told The Record after the Mass that the depth of the faith of the WA people is "wonderfully reflected in the architecture of the building - a mixture of the old and new, and a
Congratulations to the Archdiocese of Perth for its successful restoration of St Mary's Cathedral — a truly wonderful achievement.
wonderful example of what Pope Benedict would call 'the hermeneutic of continuity', development and progress, (while) hanging on to the past". A clearly happy Archbishop Hickey welcomed an estimated 1100 people to the Cathedral on Tuesday evening for the fulfillment of the dream of thousands of Catholics since the establish-
ment of the Diocese of Perth in the Swan River Colony in 1845. December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and both the Cathedral and the Archdiocese are dedicated to Mary under that title. The pro-Cathedral in Victoria Avenue was originally called the church of St John the Evangelist
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as construction started on his feast day - December 27, 1843 the day the first sod was turned. Bishop Jose Maria Benito Serra, co-adjutor and administrator of Perth, was in Rome when Pope Pius IX declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 (see Page 16). He returned to Perth and Please turn to Page 10
The Record December 8 2009
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Jaktii ST MARY'S 2009 SAINT OF THE WEEK
Bishops brought their own styles to Church in Perth BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter ARCHBISHOP Barry Hickey
Lucy
says he is still living the legacy left
circa 284-304 December I.; This saint, venerated by Christians since her own time, likely was martyred in Sicily, probably during the persecutions of Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled 284-305. However, legends about Lucy include a rejected suitor denouncing her as a Christian and miracles that saved her from life in a brothel, from being burned at the stake and from having her eyes plucked out. Another legend says she bled to death after her throat was cut. Lucy, whose name suggests light, is among the saints listed in the canon of the Mass; she is the patron saint of electricians and ophthalmologists and Christians pray for her intercession regarding diseases of the eyes.
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OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS December 12 Embrace the Grace, New Norcia Archbishop Hickey Mass and Graduation, UNDA - Bishop Sproxton 13 Morning Mass at St Mary's Cathedral Archbishop Hickey Liturgy of Blessing Statue of St Joseph and Icon of Blessed Mary MacKillop - Archbishop Hickey Mass and Procession for Feast of St Lucy, Spearwood - Bishop Sproxton 14 ltab -Australian Welfare & Cultural Centre Christmas Celebration - Archbishop Hickey 15 Liturgy of Blessing of Aboriginal Art and Ceremonial Fire, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey St Lazarus Day Service - Bishop Sproxton 16 Heads of Churches Meeting - Bishop Sproxton 17 Liturgy of Blessing of Entrance, Baptismal Font, Sacred Oil Containers and World Youth Day Tree, St Mary's Cathedral - Bishop Sproxton 20 St Mary's Cathedral Celebration Mass for Parishes and Cathedral Community - Archbishop Hickey Celebration for Archbishop's Jubilees, St Mary's Cathedral - Archbishop Hickey
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by his predecessor Bishops who were interred in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgun Mary on December 5. In the first ceremony in the newly completed Cathedral, the remains of Spanish-born Martin Griver Y Cuni, the second Bishop of Perth; his successor and founder of The Record, Bishop Matthew Gibney; Archbishop Redmond Prendiville, the second Archbishop of Perth, his successor Archbishop Launcelot Goody and Archbishop William Joseph Foley, Archbishop Hickey's predecessor, were interred in the crypt directly beneath the new sanctuary. Archbishop Hickey said that Archbishop Foley understood the call of the Second Vatican Council to involve the laity in the life of the Church and oversaw new structures to educate them and to foster solidarity among his priests. "I'm still living in his legacy today," said Archbishop Hickey, who was installed as Archbishop of Perth in August 1991. He expressed hope that the Diocese of Perth's founding Bishop John Brady, who is currently buried in France, and Archbishop Patrick Clune, who was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery at the express wish of the local Redemptorist clergy, would one day be interred in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Two spaces have been reserved for the two Bishops. Archbishop Hicke said it was a "sobering thought' that there would be many more Bishops of Perth to be buried in the Cathedral crypt including, eventually, himself. During Saturday's ceremony he also held his newly made crosier, which bears designs representing the two dioceses he has served in - a Geraldton wax flower and Blue Leschenaultia, found along the coast and river of Perth. Bishop Gibney, he said, marked the beginning of the great "Irish dynasty" in the Archdiocese of Perth, with Archbishop Prendiville also born in Ireland. Bishop Gibney championed the cause of local Aborigines and publicly criticised government policies that were detrimental to their wellbeing. Archbishop Hickey said that Bishop Griver travelled to the north of the State and oversaw the foundation of various Catholic missions. Archbishop Hickey said he has fond memories of Archbishop Prendiville, who opened St Charles Seminary in Guildford in 1942, and which still bears fruit with over 20 students currently studying there for the Archdiocese of Perth and other WA dioceses. Archbishop Hickey entered St Charles Seminary in 1950 before gaining a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Urbaniana University in Rome in 1958. Archbishop Prendiville also "set the tone for Perth post-war", Archbishop Hickey said, establishing many new churches in the city and country areas. Representatives of schools named after two of the interred Bishops - Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School and Prendiville Catholic College formed a guard of honour as their ossuaries and coffins were carried by Perth clergy into the underground crypt on Saturday. After these were carried to the crypt and blessed by Archbishop Hickey, he joined Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton and other Perth clergy in singing the Salve Regina - the Hail Holy Queen prayer in Latin. Archbishop Hickey said that Bishop Griver, who, though Spanish, was not a Benedictine like Perth Bishops Rosendo Salvado and Joseph Serra, grew up in a time of anti-clerical government that suppressed religious life. Due to the anti-clerical government, he put off his calling to the priesthood and became a qualified doctor but later returned to fulfil his calli4, and became "a very holy man. Archbishop Hickey said that Griver was known for his asceticism, prayer life and dedication to his duties. "He gave us the first Cathedral on this site; Archbishop Hickey said.
First ceremonies become
Relatives of Archbishops Prendiville, Goody and Foley were present, including Joan Bianchini - whose parents were from County Kerry in Ireland where Archbishop Prendiville was from - and her husband Jim and daughter Louise Santelli.
Martin Griver Y Cuni 2nd Bishop of Perth 1873-1886 Born Spain, November 11, 1814 Died November 1, 1886 Watched by fellow clergy and Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Archbishop Hickey censes the ossuaries, boxes containing bones, and coffins of his predecessor Bishops last Saturday in the first ceremony to be conducted in St Mary's Cathedral. The remains of the PHOTO. ROBERT HIINI previous Bishops of Perth were then taken to the crypt below the Cathedral where they were interred.
Matthew Gibney 3rd Bishop of Perth 1886-1910 Born Ireland, November 1, 1837 Died June 22, 1925
The Liturgy of Interment and Blessing of Vestments, Sacred Vessels and Crypt at St Mary's Cathedral on December 5 also illuminated the rich traditions of the Church. Archbishop Barry Hickey's executive secretary Fr Robert Cross talked Anthony Barich through it.
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n a church, symbols are
Redmond G Prendiville 2nd Archbishop of Perth 1935-1968 Born Ireland, September 1900 Died June 28, 1968
Launcelot John Goody 3rd Archbishop of Perth 1968-1983 Born England, June 5, 1908 Died May 13, 1992
William Joseph Foley 4th Archbishop of Perth 1983-1991 Born June 20, 1931 Died February 10, 1991 Photos Archdocesan archives
everything. They help people give meaning to mysteries of the Faith. Much of the symbolism in a church reflects the fact that we are all on a journey towards God, who becomes present in the Eucharist on the altar. The church, therefore, is the boat, so to speak, in which we travel towards God. Thus, the devotion of a separate, special occasion to the interment and blessing on December 5 of vestments and sacred vessels used in Holy Mass, and of the crypt, is a teaching moment for the Archdiocese of Perth. So says Fr Robert Cross, Archbishop Barry Hickey's executive secretary, and the archaeologist who helped remove the remains of Bishops Martin Griver and Matthew Gibney from beneath the floor of the Cathedral in 2006. The blessing of the vestments is significant, he said, as the chasuble - the outer garment the celebrant wears - symbolises the vestment of the priest who stands In Persona Christi - in the Person of Christ. The material and seamstresses who made the vestments for the opening and re-dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception that were blessed during the December 5 event were sourced by Debra
Talbot, wife of Bateman Deacon Bruce Talbot, and made locally. They have a cross on one side - a design picked up from one of Archbishop Hickey's Pectoral crosses which also appears on the apex of the new extension to the Cathedral and is carved on the ends of each of the new pews. The chasuble, Fr Robert said, dates back to Roman times, when the garment originally a round piece of cloth with a hole in the middle something like a poncho - was commonly worn. People would 'put on their Sunday best', so to speak, when they celebrated the Eucharist in their homes during the early era of Church. In time, the celebrant's chasuble became more ornate, elaborate, heavy and expensive. Things got to the point where they didn't function well for celebrating the Eucharist as the celebrant would have to pull the cloth up his arms to carry out his duties. Oddly enough, among the liturgical reforms in the 1970s there was a push to return to that round garment, but priests quickly redicovered how dysfunctional this was. In order to save on weight, cost and function and improve functionality the chasuble evolved as the arm segments were cut out of the way. Still, one of the functions of the deacons in
the early Church - which is still exercised at important events like ordinations - was to hold the cope (a chasuble with the front cut open) back so the celebrant could perform his duties. By the 17th century the chasuble was more refined and had become more rectangular in shape, hansing over the back and the front and even taking on a fiddle shape tapered in at the waist to minimise cost. The more elaborate decorations were on the back because the priest faced the altar rather than the congregation, as in the current Tridentine Mass. Such symbolism is common throughout every church. The new altar and sanctuary is, unusually, octagonal in shape, but this also symbolises aspects of the Christian faith. An octagon is a circle and square brought together. The eight sides symbolise the incarnation of Jesus, who is God and man. The circle is symbolic of God, the square is symbolic of earth. God comes to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, and in the Eucharist. While octagonal altars are not common, octagons are often present in churches in either the drum of the dome (as in St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Geraldton and St Peter's in the Vatican). Many churches built over 1,500 years of Christian history prior to Vatican II were filled with symbolic meaning because in an age when
most or many people were uneducated and illiterate it was symbols such as the religious art of stained glass windows and statues that helped teach essential truths of the Faith. The Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome, for example, has one of the 12 Apostles on each pillar on each side of the nave, then the 12 prophets above them. "The Church loved playing with those types of things in its building," Fr Cross said. Entering a church, the first part one steps into is the nave - navis in Latin, for ship. Thus, the people of God are likened to passengers on a ship, journeying up to the sanctuary and the apse, symbolic of heaven, which is our final destination, Fr Robert said. "Similarly, when a priest enters the church, the people stand not to welcome the priest, but to symbolise that they're one in that journey towards God, what we're all hoping for," he said. "That's why you ordinarily shouldn't have in a sanctuary art about an historical event or the act of a saint. It should ordinarily be images of heaven, or what one considers heaven to be:' An example of this par excellence, he said, is Michelangelo's The Last Judgement on the wall of the Sistine Chapel because "that's where we're going". "That's essentially what a church is all about - the
Left, Cathedral organist Jacinto Jakovcevic looks over the glorious vista of St Mary's Cathedral from the choirloft during the December
5 event; the ossuaries containing the remains of Perth Bishops Martin Griver and Redmond Prendiville; the procession to the crypt PHOTOS: PETER ROSENGREN under the Cathedral.
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The Record December 8 2009 www.therecord.com.au
ST MARY'S 2009
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teaching moment, illuminating history and traditions Left, Perth Catholics peruse t he vestments that were blessed during the December 5 ceremony; right, St Charles S eminary students lead Archbishop Barry Hickey to the crypt with a guard of honour formed by Prendiville College and Matthew Gibney Primary School students. Far right: Archbishop Hickey blesses t he new vestments made especially for the opening and re-dedication of the Catherdral of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH/ ROBERT MUNI
Frs Greg Carroll and Jean-Noel Marie carry an ossuary off the sanctuary.
Above left, Fr Peter Whitely and Fr John Jegorow carry the coffin of a Perth Bishop off the sanctuary to be intered in the Cathedral crypt; centre, Archbishop Barry Hickey leads Bishop Donald Sproxton and Perth priests in the prayer Salve Regina after blessing the coffins and ossuaries of five of Perth's previous Bishops; far right, Archbishop Hickey processes down to the St Mary's Cathedral crypt to inter his predecessor Bishops and pray for them with his priests. PHOTOS: ANTHONY BARICH/ROBERT HIINI Below left, Perth Catholics invited to the special Decemer 5 event marvel at the new Cathedral, which for many of them was their first look at the completion of the $32.9 million project.
Both the existence of a cost us is not really a gift, is it? Anything of value gets its crypt, and the practice of value by virtue of the work burying the dead in a church, that has gone into it," he said. is historically linked to the "I can understand the con- concept of the church being cern, though - one could say the boat in which we're jourthat Christ is there in the neying to eternal life. The church is where Christ poor, as it says in Matthew 25. But the belief is that the becomes present in His body Eucharist is the body and and blood and His presence blood of Christ, and while I'm is reserved in the Blessed sure Christ wouldn't demand Sacrament in the Church, it, and doesn't ask for it, we which is God's home. "So, in death we hope to be as human beings are more than purely functional peo- one with our God," Fr Robert ple. In this way, form can said. "The notion of being bur start going beyond function to express something that is ied in churches reflects that notion of wanting to be close "We must respect the in our belief. house of God, of God's peo"That's the nature of us as to our God, so in English ple, and we people are jour- Precious Blood, we shouldn't neying into God's house spill it:' The chalice, then, human beings - we're crea- churches and elsewhere should be made of imperme- tures with an appreciation of there are burial grounds which is heaven." The function of the chalice able material so it does not beauty and art. That's in my around churches, and people of importance, like Bishops is to hold the blood of Christ, absorb the blood of Christ, opinion:' People have written letters and kings, are buried inside and the paten to hold the which is why wood or clay are body of Christ. Just as the not used. In the early Church, to the Archdiocese question- churches:' ing the spending of millions vestment is worn by the priest pewter was often used. In St Mary's Cathedral, he To those who are scandal- on the Cathedral which could helped ascertain the precise who represents Christ, standing in Persona Christi, so, ised by the Pope, for exam- be used to help the poor. location of the remains of "Well, we are helping the foundational Perth diocese also, do the paten and chalice ple, using elaborate chalices hold the precious material of for major events rather than poor:' Fr Robert said, "and Bishops Matthew Gibney and the body and blood of Christ. using the money on the poor, as the Archbishop said, the Martin Griver buried just "They hold something pre- the answer, Fr Robert said, A rchdiocesan budget for inside the altar rail. Usually, they'd be buried cious in our faith, so we try comes from Christ Himself: helping the poor has not to reflect this in the material "You'll always have the poor decreased but increased. I in a manner reflecting their [used for] the paten and chal- with you, but I am just here don't think you could get a function in the church, with more giving person than the their feet towards the congreice, or anything associated for a while:' with liturgical practice, usu"We go out of our way to A rchbishop in terms of care gation in the west and their ally gold or silver," Fr Robert give our riches to people we for the poor - he cares for head towards the altar to the said. east - facing the Resurrection. respect, and a gift that doesn't them on his very doorstep:' This is a scriptural reference to the second coming of Christ - "he'll come from the Catholic Archbishop's Charitable Fund Bushfire Appeal east where the sun rises". Archdiocese of Melbourne One of Archbishop Hickey's predecessors, Archbishop Patrick Clune, is buried with fellow Redemptorist clergy at Karrakattta Cemetery. Archbishop Denis Hart, Archbishop of Melbourne together with Bishops Archbishop Hickey asked Christopher Prowse, Joseph Grech and Peter Connors, Bishops of Sale, the local Redemptorists S andhurst and Ballarat wish to thank the people, families, parishes, for permission to transfer schools, religious communities, clubs, associations, movements and Archbishop Clune's remains small businesses of the archdioceses and dioceses of Australia who have to the new crypt but this was given so generously to support the Black Saturday bushfire communities. eventually refused. One of the 16 spaces in the The Catholic Church in Victoria will walk with the people of the bushfire crypt has been reserved for c ommunities over the coming years as they rebuild their lives. Archbishop Clune's remains A ppeal Funds were initially used to provide urgent crisis assistance. if the Order changes its decision, while another has been The Appeal has funded the establishment reserved for the tumultuous of several hospitality/respite centres and a first Bishop of Perth, Bishop t emporary church and community facility on of the Mary Brady, whose remains John St Snows of the site Marysville. in France. buried are The Appeal is providing much needed free as six ossuaries many As counselling services to all that seek them in each of the 16 CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE into put be can OF MELBOURNE the Black Saturday bushfire districts. spaces, meaning that almost 100 Bishops could conceivFor more information go to www.cam.org.au/recovery- newsletter ably be buried in the crypt.
Thank you
John Hughes offers his congratulations to Perth's Catholic community in Perth on the historic completion of St Mary's Cathedral
The Record December 8 2009 vvww.therecord.com.au
4 ailitA ST MARY'S 2009 The official opening and re-dedication of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Perth, Western Australia Tuesday December 8 2009 Principal Celebrant Most Reverend Barry James Hickey, DD His Eminence George Cardinal Pell, Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan His Excellency Most Reverend Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio in Australia The Most Reverend Donald Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth The Archbishops and Bishops of the Catholic Church in Australia Priests in the Archdiocese of Perth Visiting Priests
Dean Monsignor Thomas McDonald
Masters of Ceremonies
Deacons
Servers St Charles Seminary Redemptoris Mater Seminary
When a church is erected as a building destined solely and permanently for assembling the people of God and for carrying out sacred functions, it is fitting that it be dedicated to God within a solemn rite, in accordance with the ancient custom of the Church. The celebration of the Eucharist is inseparably bound up with the rite of the dedication of a church and is preceded by a sprinkling and anointing. In this way, the dedication ritual mirrors the initiation of a Christian. The entire Christian community, the universal priesthood and the ministerial priesthood, all unite around the initiation and dedication. As the rite tells us, the Church is its people; its building is the place where the Church meets to worship.
All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice; Him serve with love, His praise forthtell, Come we before Him and rejoice. Know that the Lord is good indeed; Without our aid He did us make; We are His folk, He does us feed, And for his sheep He does us take. 0 enter then His gates with praise; Approach with joy His courts unto; Praise, laud and bless His name always, For it is seemly so to do. For why? The Lord our God is good: His mercy is for ever sure; His truth at all times firmly stood, And shall from age to age endure. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God the Father, God the Son, And God the Spirit, ever one! GREETING
Cantor: Lord Jesus Christ, only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
May your word here proclaimed and your sacraments here celebrated strengthen the hearts of all the faithful.
Archbishop Hickey blesses Mass-goers as part of the Rite of Dedictation of St Mary's new Jarrah altar.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. All: Amen. LITURGY OF THE WORD The Lectionary is presented to the Archbishop who then shows it to the people. Archbishop: May the word of God always be heard in this place, as it unfolds the mystery of Christ before you and achieves your salvation • within the Church. All: Amen.
CHORAL PRELUDE Festival Te Deum Ralph Vaughan-Williams
All People That on Earth Do Dwell Ralph Vaughan-Williams
Cantor: We give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, 0 God, Almighty Father!
OPENING PRAYER Archbishop: Lord, fill this place with your presence, and extend your hand to all those who call upon you.
RITE OF DEDICATION
PROCESSIONAL HYMN
GLORIA Christopher Willcock SJ Cantor/ All repeat Glory to God in the highest and on earth people to people of good will. Glory to ...
Cantor: For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen, Amen, Amen!
Deacon Mark Powell Deacon Paul Russell
Excerpts from 'Music for the Royal Fireworks' George Frideric Handel
PROFESSION OF FAITH (Please stand)
Cantor: You take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us!
Father Peter Bianchini Father Freddy Hernandez Father Vincent Glynn Deacon Damian Gorian
PROCESSION INTO THE CATHEDRAL
HOMILY (Please be seated)
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you!
Concelebrants
WELCOME BY MONSIGNOR THOMAS McDONALD, DEAN OF ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL
Spirit cleanse us, for we are the temple of his presence. All: Amen.
Architect Peter Quinn hands the plans to Archbishop Barry Hickey Archbishop: The grace and peace of God be with all of you in his holy Church. All: And also with you. HANDING OVER OF PLANS Debra Sayce: Please be seated. Mr Peter Quinn, the Architect of the Completion of St Mary's Cathedral, will now come forward and formally hand over to the Archbishop the plans of this project. BLESSING AND SPRINKLING OF WATER (Please stand) Archbishop: Brothers and sisters in Christ, in this solemn rite of dedication let us ask the Lord our God to bless this water created by his hand. It is a sign of our repentance, a reminder of our Baptism and a symbol of the cleansing of these walls and this altar. May the grace of God help us to remain faithful members of his Church, open to the Spirit we have received. All pray in silence. God of mercy, you call every creature to the light of life, and surround us with such great love that when we stray you continually lead us back to Christ our head. For you have established an inheritance of such mercy, that those sinners, who pass through water made sacred, die with Christ and rise restored as members of his body and heirs of his eternal covenant.
Bless + this water; sanctify it. As it is sprinkled upon us and throughout this church make it a sign of the saving waters of Baptism, by which we become one in Christ, the temple of your Spirit. May all here today, and all those in days to come, who will celebrate your mysteries in this church, be united at last in the holy city of your peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. All: Amen. Those gathered are sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of the new life received in aptism. The altar and the walls of the nave are also sprinkled as they too are made new. Hymn for Sprinkling Rite Marty Haugen Cantor / All repeat: If we have died to ourselves in Jesus, then we shall rise to new life in him. Alleluia, Alleluia. We are fire and water, we are symbol and sign of grace, We are the mysfry, we are the image of Gods own face. Flowing out of the desert, rolling down from the mountain side, Up from within you, water of newness and life eternal. Gift of love and of mercy, given freely to all who thirst, Gentle and yielding, water of grace and life eternal. Archbishop: May God, the Father of mercies, dwell in this house of prayer. May the grace of the Holy
FIRST READING Reader: A reading from the Book of Nehemiah 8:2-6, 8-10 Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, consisting of men, women and children old enough to understand. This was the first day of the seventh month. On the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of the men and women, and children old enough to understand, he read from the book from early morning till noon; all the people listened attentively to the book of the Law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden dais erected for the purpose. In full view of all the people - since he stood higher than all the people - Ezra opened the book; and when he opened it all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people raised their hands and answered, 'Amen! Amen!'; then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. And Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read. Then Nehemiah - His Excellency - and Ezra, priest and scribe (and the Levites who were instructing the reople) said to all the people, This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep: For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law. He then said, 'Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.' The Word of the Lord.
Annointing with Chrism
Relics of three saints are deposited in the new altar.
All: Thanks be to God.
word; it belongs to their destiny to do so. You, however, are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for His own to proclaim the glorious works" of the One who called you from darkness into his marvellous light. The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Christopher J S de Silva Psalmist: The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul. The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Christopher Willcock SJ
The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just.
Choir: My dwelling place shall be with them, says the Lord; And I will be their God and they shall be my people.
They are more to be desired than gold, than the purest of gold. And sweeter are they than honey, than honey from the comb.
GOSPEL Deacon: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to
Luke 6:46-49 All: Glory to you, Lord. Deacon: Jesus said to His disciples: 'Why do you call me, "Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say? Everyone who comes to me and listens to my words and acts on them - I will show you what he is like. He is like the man who when he built his house dug, and dug deep, and laid the foundations on rock; when the river was in flood it bore down on that house but could not shake it, it was so well built. But the one who listens and does nothing is like the man who built his house on soil, with no foundations: as soon as the river bore down on it, it collapsed; and what a ruin that house became!' The Gospel of the Lord. All:Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
All: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and life of the world to come. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THE ANOINTINGS Debra: In accordance with the tradition of the Church in both East and West, a special Prayer of Dedication is said. This prayer is a sign of our intention to give our cathedral over entirely and perpetually to God, for worship and for ministry. The rite of anointing, incensing, covering and lighting the altar expresses in visible signs several aspects of the invisible work that the Lord accomplishes through the Church in its celebration of the divine mysteries especially in the Eucharist. INVITATION TO PRAYER Archbishop: Let us ask the saints to support our prayers to God the Father almighty, who has made the hearts of his people faithful temples of his Spirit. Deacon: Let us kneel. LITANY OF THE SAINTS Christopher Willcock SJ (All remain kneeling) Archbishop: Lord, may the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints make our prayers acceptable to you. May this building, which we dedicate to your name, be a house of salvation and grace where Christians gathered in
SECOND READING Reader: A reading from the first letter of St Peter 2:4-9 Come to him, a living stone, rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God's eyes. You too are living stones, built as an edifice of spirit, into a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For Scripture has it: "See, I am laying a cornerstone in Zion, an approved stone, and precious. He who puts his faith in it shall not be shaken:' The stone is of value for you who have faith. For those without faith, it is rather, "A stone which the builders rejected that became a cornerstone." It is likewise "an obstacle and a stumbling stone:' Those who stumble and fall are the disbelievers in God's
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The Record December 8 2009 www.therecord.com.au
fellowship may worship you in spirit and truth and grow together in love. Grant this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.
ST MARY'S 2009 Likkil4 5 strength and guide so that you may have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, and serve him in love, joy, and peace.
How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place Christopher Walker
INCENSATION OF THE ALTAR AND THE CHURCH Debra: Incense is a symbol DEPOSITING OF RELICS of prayer that rises to God. Relics of St Prudentius The ritual sequence suqests (Martyr), St Paulina that the "temple of God' (Martyr), St Catherine where we are to offer "spir(Virgin and Martyr) and St Paul Miki (Martyr) are placed itual worship" (Romans 12:1) is the baptised Christian and, in the prepared aperture in at the same time, the entire the altar. assembly. Archbishop: Archbishop: The bodies of the saints lie Lord, may our prayer ascend buried in peace, but their as incense in your sight. names will live on for ever. As this building is filled All: Alleluia! with fragrance so may your The aperture is now closed. Church fill the world with PRAYER OF DEDICATION the fragrance of Christ. (Please remain standing) Let My Prayer Rise Like Incense Archbishop: Christopher Willcock SJ Father in heaven, source of holiness and true purpose, COVERING OF THE it is right that we praise and ALTAR glorify your name.
We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Deacon: Let us stand.
For today we come before you, to dedicate to your lasting service this house of prayer, this temple of worship, this home in which we are nourished by your word and your sacraments. Here is the reflected mystery of the Church. The Church is faithful, made holy by the love of Christ: a bride made radiant with his glory, a virgin splendid in the wholeness of her faith, a mother blessed through the power of the Spirit. The Church is holy, your chosen vineyard: its branches envelop the world, its tendrils, carried on the tree of the cross, reach up to the kingdom of heaven. The Church is favoured, the dwelling place of God on earth: a temple built of living stones, founded on the apostles with Jesus its corner stone. The Church is exalted, a city set on a mountain: a beacon to the whole world, bright with the glory of the Lamb, and echoing the prayers of her saints. Lord, send your Spirit from heaven to make this church an ever-holy place, and this altar a ready table for the sacrifice of Christ. Here may the waters of Baptism overwhelm the shame of sin; here may your people die to sin and live again through grace as your children. Here may your children, gathered around your altar, celebrate the memorial of the Paschal Lamb, and be fed at the table of Christ's word and Christ's body. Here may prayer, the Church's banquet, resound through heaven and earth as a plea for the world's salvation. Here may the poor find justice, the victims of oppression, true freedom. From here may the whole world clothed in the dignity of the children of God, enter with gladness your city of peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. All: Amen. ANOINTING OF THE ALTAR AND THE WALLS (Please be seated) Debra: Chrism (pure olive oil infused with rich fragrance and consecrated at the Chrism Mass) is poured first on the altar and then on the walls. The walls are anointed in four places reminding us of the call to the Heavenly Banquet where "people will c ome from the north and south, the east and west to sit at the table in the Kingdom of God". Archbishop: We now anoint this altar and this building. May God in His power make them holy, visible signs of the mystery of Christ and His Church.
LIGHTING OF THE ALTAR AND THE CHURCH
All: Amen. CONCLUDING RITE (Please stand) BLESSING AND DISMISSAL Archbishop: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Deacon: Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing. Archbishop: The Lord of earth and heaven has assembled you before Him this day to dedicate this house of prayer. May He fill you with the blessings of heaven. All: Amen. Sydney's Cardinal George Pell (left) looks on as Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey holds the Body of Christ aloft.
PHOTOS: JUSTINE STEVENS
The lighting of the altar and the church, which flows from the lighting of the Paschal candle, teaches us that Christ is "a light to enlighten the nations, whose brightness shines out in the Church, and through it, upon the whole human family". Archbishop: Light of Christ, shine forth in the Church and bring all nations to the fullness of truth. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS
All: Amen. Archbishop: May God free you from every bond of sin, dwell within you and give you joy. May you live with Him for ever in the company of all His saints. The Archbishop distrubutes the Oil of Chrism all over the altar, above, dedicating it to Almighty God. Below, Archbishop Hickey congratulates Mgr Michael Keating on his appointment as Dean of the Cathedral as outgoing dean, Mgr Thomas McDonald, looks on. Right, the final communicants walk approach the new sanctuary.
All: Amen. Archbishop: May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.
Priere a Notre Dame Leon Boellmann The kiss of the altar with which every Eucharist begins was deferred until now because the altar was not ready. Now the altar, having become the sign of the Anointed One and decorated as a joyous Easter table, is ready to receive the ritual gesture of veneration. PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS Archbishop: Lord, accept the gifts of a rejoicing Church. May your people, who are gathered in this sacred place, arrive at eternal salvation through the mysteries in which they share. Grant this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER HOLY HOLY Christopher Willcock SJ MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION Christopher Willcock SJ GREAT AMEN Christopher Willcock SJ COMMUNION RITE The Lord's Prayer All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Archbishop: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, grant us peace in our day. In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. All: For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. SIGN OF PEACE Archbishop: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever.
Archbishop: God the Father wills that all His children scattered through the world become one family in His Son. May He make you his temple, the dwelling place of His Holy Spirit.
Deacon: The Mass is ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. RECESSIONAL HYMN Christ, Be Our Light Bernadette Farrell
All: Amen. Archbishop: The peace of the Lord be with you always. All: And also with you. Deacon: Let us offer each other a sign of peace. THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD LAMB OF GOD Christopher Willcock SJ Archbishop: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. COMMUNION HYMN Gift of Finest Wheat Robert Kreutz Refrain You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat; Come give to us, 0 saving Lord, the bread of life to eat! As when the shepherd calls his sheep, they know and heed his voice; So when you call your family, Lord, we follow and rejoice. Refrain The myst'ry of your presence, Lord, no mortal tongue can tell: Whom all the world cannot contain comes in our hearts to dwell. Refrain You give yourself to us, 0 Lord, then selfless let us be, To serve each other in your name in truth and charity. Refrain COMMUNION MOTET Locus Iste Anton Bruckner Locus iste a Deo factus est, This place was made by God lnaestimabile sacramentum It is a priceless mystery Irreprehensibilis est. It is without reproof
COMMUNION REFLECTION Eat This Bread Jacques Berthier
Deacon: Please kneel and pray in silence. Adoro Te Dom Stephen Moreno
Refrain Eat this bread, drink this cup, Choir: Adoro Te devote latens Come to me and never be Deitas, hungry. Eat this bread, drink this cup, Godhead here in hiding whom Trust in me and you will not Ido adore, Quae sub his figuris vere thirst. latitas: Masked by these bare shadCantor: ows, l am the bread of life, shape and nothing more The true bread sent from the All: Father. Refrain Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit, Cantor: See Lord, at thy service low Your ancestors ate manna in lies here a heart: the desert, Quia, Te contemplans totum But this is the bread come deficit. down from heaven. Refrain Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art! Cantor: Anyone who eats this bread Choir: will live for ever! Refrain 0 memoriale mortis Domini, 0 thou reminder of Christ PRAYER AFTER crucified, COMMUNION Panis vivus vitam praestans (Please Stand) homini, Living bread, the life of us for Archbishop: whom he died, Let us pray. Lord, through these gifts increase the vision of your truth in our minds. May we always worship you in your holy temple, and rejoice in your presence with all your saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. INAUGURATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL Debra: We come now to a very special moment in our Liturgy, the Inauguration of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The Chapel will be hallowed simply by the placement of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle accompanied by the incensation. With silent prayer we will acknowledge the abiding Eucharistic presence of Christ.
All: Praesta meae merit i de Te vivere, Lend this life to me then; feed andfeast my mind, Et Te 1111 semper dulce sapere. There be thou the sweetness man was meant to find.
INSTALLATION OF THE NEW DEAN OF THE CATHEDRAL (Please be seated) Debra: Monsignor Thomas McDonald has served the Cathedral Parish for many years and will soon end his time here. The new Dean of the Cathedral will be Monsignor Michael Keating. The Archbishop will now officially acknowledge Monsignor McDonald for his years of service and install Monsignor Keating as the new Dean of the Cathedral. Archbishop: I invite Monsignor McDonald and Monsignor Keating to please come forward. Monsignor McDonald, you have been a faithful pastor during your 18 years as Dean of this Cathedral. You have faithfully ministered to members of the Cathedral Parish and so many others who have gathered in this place of worship. We thank you sincerely on this occasion for your commitment to your priestly ministry. We also acknowledge and thank you for your dedication to the Cathedral Restoration Project. We pray that God will continue to bless you abundantly in your future endeavours.
Choir: Jesu, quem velatum nunc adspicio, Jesus, whomIlook at shrouded here below, Oro, fiat illud, quod tam Sit10: Ibeseech thee send me whatI long for so,
Monsignor Keating, we welcome you as Dean of the Cathedral from January 2010. In this, your new role, we are sure that you will carry on building upon the good work of those who have preceded you.
All: Ut, Te revelata cernens facie, Some day to gaze on thee face to face in light Visu sim beatus tuae gloriae. And be blest for ever with thy glory's sight. Amen! Amen!
As your Archbishop, I commission you to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others in Word and Sacrament as Dean of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. We pray that the Holy Spirit will be your
Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you. Make us your own, your holy people, Light for the world to see. Refrain Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in your Church gathered today! Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has pow'r to save us. Make us your living voice. Refrain Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst. Make us your bread, broken for others, Shared until all are fed. Refrain Longing for shelter, many are homeless. Longing for warmth, many are cold. Make us your building, sheltering others, Walls made of living stone. Refrain Many the gifts, many the people, Many the hearts that yearn to belong. Let us be servants to one another, Making your kingdom come! Refrain ORGAN POSTLUDE Toccata from 'Dieu Parmi Nous' Olivier Messiaen Music Acknowledgements The Choral Prelude, Festival Te Deum Ralph Vaughan-Williams (1872-1958) Organ and Brass Fanfare, From 'Musk for the Royal Fireworks' George Frederic Handel (1685-1759)
(au) Jakovcevid Entrance Procession, All People that on Earth do Dwell TUNE: Old One Hundreth TEXT: Psalm 99 adap. William Kethe (d ca 1593) Doxology Thomas Ken (1637 -1711) Hymn for Sprinkling Rite, If We Have Died to Ourselves in Jesus from Mass of Creation Marty Haugen 0 1984, GIA Publications, Inc Mass Setting Missa Magis Christopher Willcock (b 1947) Responsorial Psalm, Lord, You Have the Words of Everlasting Life TUNE: Chris de Silva © 2009. All rights reserved. TEXT: Psalm 18: 8-11, R: John 6:69 Litany of Saints, Christopher Willcock (b. 1947) Anointing of the Altar, How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place Christopher Walker© 1991, OCP Publications Incensation of the Altar, Let My Prayer Rise Like Incense MUSIC: © Christopher Willcock, 1997. All rights reserved. TEXT: 0 I(EL, 1994 Preparation of the Gifts, 'Priere a Notre Dame' from 'Suite Gothique' Leon Boellamnn (1862-1897) (arr J Jakovcevic) Communion Hymn, Gift of Finest Wheat MUSIC: Robert E Kreutz TEXT: Omer Westendorf Communion Motet, Locus Iste MUSIC: Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) TEXT: Graduale Triplex Communion Reflection: Eat this Bread TUNE: Jacques Berthier TEXT: John 6 Adap Robert J Batastini (b 1942) and the Taize Community 1984, Ateliers et Presses de Taize Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament, Adoro Te MUSIC: Dom Stephen Moreno (18891953) TEXT: ascribed to St Thomas Aquinas (1227-1274) Trans Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) Recessional Hymn: Christ, Be our Light Bernadette Farrell CO 1993, OCP Publications Organ Postlude: Toccata from 'Dieu Parmi Nous' Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) Musicians' Acknowledgements St Mary's Cathedral Choir Director of Cathedral Music and Principal Organist Jacinta Jakovcevic Guest Conductor Christopher Willcock SJ Associate Conductor Dr Robert Braham Cantors (Cathedral Choir Lay Clerks) Daniel Mullaney Alexander Platts John Ryall Trumpets Jenny Coleman Evan Cromie Trombones Bruce Thompson Philip Holdsworth Percussion Louise Devenish Violins Sarah Ellison Kathleen O'Hagan Violas Kathryn McKay Tom Higham Trebles Joshua Adams Jermaine Beins Paris Buti Marcus Callus-Gannon Jacob Correia Christian Dobbie Michael Duan Liam Fogarty Christopher Goi Luke Hutcheson John-Paul Mondelo Alexander Taylor Ashley Teo Marcus Tobin Andrew Ziemianski Lay Clerks Chadwick Beins Hugo Lindsay David Meredith Daniel Mullaney Henry Nguyen Alexander Platts John Ryall Ian Smitz
The Record December 8 2009
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ST MARY'S 2009
Once in a lifetime
St .14ary's Cathedral- We-dectication Ceremony
opportunity comes
to fruition
Subiaco-based architect Peter Quinn stands in St Mary's new choir loft as finishing touches are made in the lead up to the building's opening.
BY ROBERT HIINI Parish Reporter SUBIACO architect Peter Quinn is enjoying the fruits of
the amount of infrastructure to be built beneath the Cathedral's ground floor, adding more meeting rooms, music rooms and toilets. The electrical requirements of that infrastructure as well as the installation of airconditioning throughout created new problems that had to be solved. Before any building could begin, he and his draughtsman, Trevor Osborne, had to produce what ended up being 140 sheets of working drawings, a painstaking task made more difficult by the absence of any drawings of the 1865 and 1930 'Cavanagh' sections (so-named after the original architect of that section). Laser surveyers had to be employed to provide unknown dimensions such as the heights of the ceilings and stained glass windows. In what took four months, his draftsman then had to produce drawings based on the measurements, the accuracy of which were confirmed when the ceilings of the new buttresses were added, with builders discovering only a 25mm difference in height. Once the initial designs and drawings were finalised, the committee managing the project released packages out for competition, for jobs such as concreting, glazing and steelwork. While a seasoned builder of Catholic schools and churches, including the parishes of Willetton and Morley and Corpus Christ and Kolbe Catholic Colleges, the $32.9m refurbishment dwarfs the largest of Mr Quinn's previous projects, eight times over. The 65 year old Melbourne native could not have known that he would eventually contribute to a Perth landmark when he first visited Perth in
his labour upon the completion of St Mary's Cathedral - a project that has consumed his almost every waking hour for the past six and a half years. From June 2003 when he started work on a design that was to garner support and praise from Catholics throughout Perth to the December 8 opening, Peter Quinn has been there through every step, challenge and adaptation. His was one of four architectural firms asked to submit a design for the project by Archbishop Barry Hickey. As a sole practitioner competing against companies with numerous architects, he had to convince himself that the competition was worth entering. "I was reluctant to take on the job," Mr Quinn told The Record. "I just thought it was too big." He spent 10 straight weeks on the design, knocking back other work, before it was sent out to parishes for comment. He had been asked to create something that retained and paid due deference to the existing Cathedral, providing a space that encouraged modern liturgy while increasing seating capacity with new function rooms and space for 100 cars. What resulted was a plan to add a new section of north and south buttresses, uniting the 1865 and 1930 sections while bringing the altar to the centre of the building, providing for increased capacity and visibility. Wanting to do more than pay mere tokenism to the 1865 section, Mr Quinn's design retains two bays of the 1865 building - the porch and the belltower - with the southern part of the porch being moved 1972. A fter four years of workto the western side to create a new entry way providing a ing in Singapore and Jakarta, direct path of procession to the Indonesia, immediately after sanctuary. Mr Quinn's decision he graduating from university, to use huge glass panels in the he was on the way home when new section was the result of decided to visit a Perth-based inspiration and not necessity. friend. "The sky was blue and the When he won the job he set off on an Australia-wide tour of beaches were empty and I'm Cathedrals, admiring what he still here." He set up shop himdescribed as beautiful but very self in 1978 and has been a sole practitioner ever since. When dark buildings. "Light is an incredibly asked if he had any sleepless important part of architecture. nights during the Cathedral's All my churches have a lot of refurbishment and completion, he replied "many more than glass," Mr Quinn said. "Light gives everyone energy one. "I knew I was having a bad rather than a sense of being night when I could hear the locked away." His decision to move the paper being delivered at three altar to the centre of the build- in the morning and couldn't get ing was made to "bring people back to sleep," he said. intimacy and closeness to the After 6.5 years of worksanctuary," providing visibility ing often 60-70 hour weeks, on all sides while the previous Peter Quinn plans to travel sanctuary has been redevel- to London with his wife early oped for adoration and over- next year, visiting one of their flow seating as well as being two sons. He looks forward rewired for liturgical concerts to driving down the Atlantic and dance. To bring his vision coast of Portugal and exploring to fruition, four arches and London and other choice parts their two supporting pillars of Europe. had to be removed, a process After he and his draughtsthat required constant moni- man pulled off a task that might toring, taking a hardgoing but ordinarily take 15 architects, necessary period of 22 weeks. he said he is "pretty sure" he Being involved on a day to and his colleagues have earnt day basis with the Church's the rest, leaving behind a comclient representative, Michael pleted project with which he is Reutens and builders EMCO as extremely pleased. "It's amazing. I'm absolutely well as a host of other contractors, Mr Quinn had the oppor- thrilled with it and I can hontunity to tweak his designs as estly say that I'm sure I couldn't construction progressed. Initial have done any better and I'm changes came when he was proud of that, because you can asked to substantially increase only do the best you can."
Above, Australian Bishops process into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Perth Deacons and Archbishop Barry Hickey. Below left, WA Premier enters the Cathedral with inaugural University of Notre Dame Australia Vice Chancellor Peter Tannock. Middle, Monsignor Thomas McDonald, Cardinal George Pell and Perth Bishop Donald Sproxton during the Mass; right, Ethiopian Orthodox Fr PHOTOS: PETER CASAMENTO Tsegay Weldeslassie and Rabbi David Freilich at the opening and re-dedication ceremony.
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The Record December 8 2009 www.therecord.com.au
St 914ary's Cathedra( e-dedication Ceremony
ST MARY'S 2009 St Mary's Cathedral
'a poem in stone': Archbishop Hickey
Archbishop Barry Hickey is greated by a guest at St Mary's opening night, flanked by Appeal Manager Brett Mendez and Mr Hugh Ryan.
PHOTO SIEVENS Top left, Michael Reutens, St Mary's Cathedral restoration project manager, reads the First Reading during the re-dedication Mass. choir Cathedral the conducts Si Willcock Christopher Fr altar, new the blesses Hickey Barry Top right, Highgate parish priest Fr Peter Bianchini during the Mass; bottom, clockwise from top left: Archbishop CASAMENTO P PHOTOS: Mass. the during listen Catholics Perth reads; Reutens Mr composed; to the Mass setting he
Protest fails to disturb historic celebrations THE celebratory opening of the newly completed St Mary's Cathedral saw a small group of "sisters" of a different kind, demonstrating against what they say are unjust and oppressive teachings of the Catholic Church. Two members of the global satirical gay advocacy organisation, the Sisters of Perpetual Induldgence and around eight associates waved rainbow flags adorned with inflated condoms from across the road at St Mary's Murray Street entrance. Largely ignored by Churchgoers the demonstrators held placards with the phrases such as "Jesus is Gay" and "Free Condoms Here," telling local media that the Church's advocacy of traditional marriage and opposition to condoms could contribute to suicide rates and AIDS-related deaths. One demonstrator shouted "Mr Hickey advocate for condoms
please" as the Archbishop made his way onto the Cathedral grounds. A man dressed in a religious sister's costume said that the demonstrators "were not against the Catholic Church. We just want equal rights for all." Earlier this year while visiting Africa, Pope Benedict decried condoms as part of the problem and not a solution to the world wide HIV-AIDS crisis. "I would say that this problem of AIDS can't be overcome only with publicity slogans," he said. "If there is not the soul, if the Africans are not helped, the scourge can't be resolved with the distribution of condoms: on the contrary, there is a risk of increasing the problem. "The solution can only be found in a double commitment: first, a humanization of sexuality, that is, a spiritual and human renewal that
Members of the 'Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence' protest with blown up PHOTO: ROBERT HIINI c ondoms and posters saying 'Jesus is gay'.
brings with it a new way of behaving with one another; and second, a true friendship, also and above all
for those who suffer, the willingness - even with sacrifice and selfdenial - to be with the suffering.
"These are the factors that bele and that lead to visible progress. The Pope was supported by leading HIV-AIDS researchers around the globe. Cardinal George Pell, the Archbishop of Sydney, who was present at the Cathedral's opening wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald that condoms encouraged promiscuity and did not address the spiritual disorder which leads to non-marital sex. -The idea that you can solve a great spiritual and health crisis like AIDS with a few mechanical contraptions like condoms is ridiculous," he wrote. In December last year, Pope Benedict XVI said that it was not outmoded "for the Church to speak of the nature of the human being as man and woman," adding that contempt for the "language of creation [would] lead to the self destruction of humanity."
BY ROBERT HIIN1 Parish Reporter WHEN Archbishop Barry Hickey embarked on completing the Cathedral he thought it would be a relatively straight forward affair. Eight years down the track, after a quadrupling in cost and several delays to its completion, the Archbishop described himself as relieved but moreover, extremely pleased with the result, a unique church he is proud to hand over to the people and to his successors. The Archbishop was 11 years old when he first laid eyes on St Mary's Cathedral. He had come down from Kalgoorlie to visit his cousin Basil Hickey who was in the Cathedral Choir. The young Barry Hickey was in awe at the size of the building and the full sound of the choir. "It made such an impression on me that I still remember what they were singing," the Archbishop said, remembering their rendition of a Credo by medieval composer, Palestrina. "I had never experienced anything like it in the bush:' Doing something with the deteriorating and, in some sections, dilapidated building had been on the Archbishop's mind for many years. "I thought that it was not possible, that we didn't have the money and that at best, we could fix it up or perhaps even build a second spire as originally intended "As time went on, however, I was advised not to waste the money; that, if we were going to do anythin§ we should do something big. Archbishop Hickey set up a committee of priests and lay people to look into various possibilities. After a year of work, the committee presented a feasibility study, estimating that the refurbishment and completion of St Mary's might cost around $7.5m. were architects Four approached to produce designs which were then put out to parishes and Cathedral parishioners, with Subiaco architect Peter Quinn's design coming up trumps. Asked if he needed to draw on all his courage to commit the Archdiocese to the project, the Archbishop's reply was disarming. "Not really because the estimated cost was $7.5m and I thought if we could get one million each from parishes, the State and Federal goverments and schools we'd be nearly there. The price was good and everyone was saying to go ahead soI did." "I thought it would be easy but the prices escalated enormously," the Archbishop said, referring to the blowout in material costs in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis. "If I had known that at the time, I wouldn't have gone ahead." Ultimately, however, he was glad that he did, describing the function of a cathedral as being central to the life of a diocese. "It's the mother church. Every diocese should be proud of its cathedral. It's a symbol of the unity of the diocese and a model for parishes. "It can set high standards in artistry and is important for big Church functions like ordinations and civic functions that
are compatible," Archbishop Hickey told The Record. The Archbishop said that, prior to the completed structure, he used to be "a bit apologetic" about St Mary's because cathedrals in nearby dioceses were "extremely beautiful:' such as the one designed by the well-known priest-architect Mgr John Hawes in Archbishop Hickey's previous diocese of Geraldton. Quoting the late monsignor, he said that a cathedral, like a church, must be a poem in stone from the outside, and like a prayer on the inside, drawing people into God. His stipulations to the architect were few, asking him to preserve what was there and at the same time, to create something new, something that would last for at least 300 years, to provide a new crypt for Perth's Archbishops and to provide new facilities - meeting, function and rehearsal rooms - for the Cathedral Parish. A committee was established to liaise with the architect and builders through project coordinator Michael Reutens with the Archbishop participating in monthly meetings to monitor the work's progress. Decisions about whether or not they would reuse floorboards and pews were made and new artworks were commissioned. Archbishop Hickey said that the choice of altar caused the most vexation. "We didn't really have an altar of any great dignity. I always preferred a marble altar but whenIsaw the design of the Jarrah one and how it would fit in with the sanctuaryI thought it was a very good supestion and went along with it.' He described the octagonal shape of the altar as being of theological design, a shape that is almost a circle, made up of two squares representing the human and divine occupying the same space, as manifest in
Jesus and in His Church. The Archbishop said that he had received very few criticisms of the project throughout its 6.5 year duration. "Some have been critical of the design, but we can't all have our own way, can we? Some didn't want a contemporary structure but you can't build today unless you build in a contemporary fashion; you can't build an old cathedral. "If you add to the old Cathedral, as we did, the difference must be visible. That's the regulation in law. So we do have three sections built in three different centuries; the new part harmonising with the old:' The response he has received to date has been overwhelmingly positive. On Sunday, December 20, Archibishop Hickey will celebrate 51 years as a priest and 25 years as a Bishop in a building that he says, is unlike any other cathedral he has seen, anywhere in the world. Around Australia, you can go to all the cathedrals and they are all beautiful but this one will not look like any of the others:' he said. "I'm very pleased to be able to hand St Mary's over to the people and my successors. It is a worthy building, and I'm very glad that it is now complete:'
The Record December 8 2009
8 Jik ST MARY'S 2009
New St Mary's: A work of art, full of local artwork
www.therecord.com.au
St 14aly's Cathedral-Re-dedication Ceremony
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Above: Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop Barry Hickey, Papal Nuncio to Australia Archbishop Giusseppe Lazzarotto and Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton during Mass; visiting Bishops enjoy the Perth sunshine before the main event. Below, priests cram into the sanctuary in front of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel; St Mary's Cathedral from Murray Street; Bishop Sproxton and Archbishop Hickey distribute Holy Communion to the faithful; Perth Catholics plus Premier Colin Barnett during Mass; containers of the holy oils for the major events of the Archdiocese; the statue of St Joseph the worker before an image of Blessed Mary MacKillop. PHOTOS: PETER CASAMENTO 11111CONIIIIROY OP ... ., 0171MirallE111111111, !
BY ROBERT HIINI
Parish Reporter
A RCHBISHOP Barry Hickey says that in his years of visiting cities and holy sites throughout the world, there is no building quite like Perth's newly refurbished and completed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or St Mary's for short. The restored and completed Cathedral consists of three sections from three different centuries: The western end from the original Cathedral built in 1865; the eastern, gothic end completed in 1930; and a new central section consisting of 10-metre high glass windows behind a facade of precast concrete columns. From the Western, Murray Street entrance to the freshly landscaped grounds, a new processional forecourt complete with an Aboriginal mosaic lame designed by local artist Laurel Nannup gives way to the Cathedral's redesigned entrance. The original southwest tower of the 1865 frontage has been repaired and restored while a new, north-west tower has been added in a style that makes it distinct from the original in compliance with stringent heritage requirements. What was previously the southern door to the porch has been moved to face the Murray Street entrance, housing the Cathedral's new front door of iron and glass depicting the Good Shepherd as produced by Herne Hill blacksmith, Antonio Battistessa (the Cathedral's fully restored tabernacle also features a depiction of the Good Shepherd). Passing through the porch into the Cathedral, visitors are greeted to their right by statues of Mary MacKillop and St Joseph carved from a single piece of Jarrah by local artist Mehdi Rasulle. A new "aumbry" sits alongside with three inset glass cabinets displaying the Holy Oils of Catechumens, Chrism and Viaticum for the Sacraments of Baptisim, Confirmation and Holy Orders as well as the Sacrament of the Sick. Perth glass artist Peter Bowles designed almost all of the Cathedral's new glasswork including the new Baptistery consiting of a Baptismal font of blue-glass on a Jarrah base mounted next to a pool that will accomodate baptisms of full immersion, with a new glass mural on the adjacent wall. Floorboards that were removed from the Cathedral during the refurbishment have been reused along with some of the 200 year old Jarrah of the original pews which have been transformed by Glen Holst of Bridgetown into new seating designed to be more comfortable and ergonomic. Looking straight down the middle of Cathedral, a new Jarrah altar sits in the middle
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of a new centralised sanctuary. At the left-hand side of the rear of the sanctuary, the Archbishop's "Cathedra" or throne has been installed, signifying the teaching authority of the bishop and St Mary's status as the Seat of the Bishop. A new Jarrah and glass ambo (lecturn) bears the insignia of the four Evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John with new seats placed immediately behind it for concelebrating priests and servers. New Sacred Vessels and a new crozier were commissioned, with the resulting items being designed by Dan Flynn of Melbourne. Pews surround the new sanctuary on three sides, providing seating for about 1100 people with the option opening-out the glass windows of the new section to ad hoc seating in the surrounding courtyards. The old sanctuary in the 1930 structure makes way for the new Blessed Sacrament Chapel where the original tabernacle from the 1865 building sits in the centre in front of a Peter Bowles-designed glass screen, which will be lit according to the liturgical season. The Celtic mosaics on the floor of the original sanctuary which were damaged in the 1968 Meckering Earthquake have been painstakingly repaired and restored. A new Hobday organ has been installed in the adjacent Sacred Heart Chapel, which along with the 1930 section's other two chapels, have been restored to their former glory. The Cathedral's original Dodd organ and choir loft have been relocated from the southern side of the 1930 building to their original location in the 1865 section, immediately above the entrance. Stations of the Cross sculpted by Roleystone resident, Gerry Darwin were mounted on two glass and metal backdrops designed by Peter Bowles, adorning the north and south walls of the connecting section. The completed St Mary's also contains features designed to ensure access for people with disabilities with a newly installed lift and a hydraulic winch up the steps of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. An audio loop, floor markers for the blind and ramps up either side of the new sanctuary round out the suite of new access measures. As St Mary's functions not only as a Cathedral but also as the Parish of Perth, the new infrastructure Archbishop Hickey requested has been built under the Cathedral with meeting and function rooms, music rehersal space, toilets and an underground car park. A crypt containing the remains of former bishops of Perth lies immediately underneath the new altar, which the Archbishop hopes, will eventually contain the bodies of all of the bishops of Perth to date and all of those hence. - see photos right
Cathedral events tickets TICKETS are still available for the December 13 Mass and blessing of the Stations of the Cross, the December 15 blessing of Aboriginal art and the ceremonial fire, and the December 20 Thanksgiving Mass for parish fundraisers. The Mass for the blessing of the Stations of the Cross will be celebrated by outgoing Cathedral Dean Monsignor Thomas McDonald while the Stations will be blessed by Archbishop Barry Hickey. The December 13 and 20 events start at 10am, while the December 15 event is at 7.30pm. People are to be seated 15 minutes prior to the start times. Entry to these events is by admission pass only. Bookings can be made until December 11 and can be picked up until that date at 61 Fitzgerald St, Northbridge or from 29 Victoria Square, Perth over the weekend. No parking is available in the Cathedral's underground parking area, which will be used for postfunction catering. Ring Lynda Ogilvie-Stanes, administration officer for Cathedral ticketing, on 9427 0388 for tickets.
The Record December 8 2009
www.therecord.com.au
ST MARY'S 2009 Akii 9
St 9Vary's Cathedral- Xe-declication Ceremony
The Cathedral charged with the grandeur of God
Cathedral Choir Director, Jacinta Jakovcevic, photographed in the new choir loft in the 1865 PHOTO: JUSTINE STEVENS narthex of the completed St Mary's.
Above: The Diedler family, Nicholas, Alexander, Maximillian, Maria-Luise and Jochen, during the opening Mass. Below, Melkite, Maronite and Roman Catholic Bishops sit PHOTOS. PETER CASAMENTO/JUSTINE STEVENS before the Stations of the Cross in the Cathedral; a musician pauses during proceedings.
New timetable for St Mary's Cathedral The newly restored and competed Cathedral will be reopened and solemnly Re-Dedicated on the 8th December 2009. For approximately two weeks after that there will be a number of Special Celebrations at the Cathedral (admission by ticket only) until 20th December. , ,athedral Masses for the general public will commencl on Christmas Eve. Christmas Masses at St Mary's Cathedral this year will be as follows:CHRISTMAS EVE: Thursday December 24, 2009 Christmas Vigil at 7.30pm Carol Service 10.30pm Midnight Mass at 12am CHRISTMAS DAY: Friday December 25, 2009 Masses at 8am, 9.30am and 11am NB. There will be NO Evening Mass at the Cathedral on Christmas Day BOXING DAY: Saturday, 26th December 2009 Mass at 8am NEW WEEKLY TIME TABLE FOR ST MARY'S CATHEDRAL As from the weekend of December 26 and 27, 2009, the following weekly Timetable will take effect at St Mary's Cathedral: SUNDAY OBLIGATION MASSES Saturday Vigil: 6pm (Organ & Cantor) Sunday: 8am, 9.30.am (Organ & Cantor), 1 lam (Solemn Sung Mass with the Cathedral Choir) and 5pm (Youth Music Group). WEEKDAY MASSES Monday to Friday at 8am and 12.10pm Saturday at 8am
CONFESSIONS
Monday to Friday at 11.30am to 12noon Saturday at 5pm to 6pm NOVENA every Wednesday at 7.30pm HOLY HOUR Every Friday from 1 lam to 12 noon
Below, workers put finishing t ouches on; priests greet the faithful before the big event.
The music played at the opening and re-dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was chosen to lift up the mind and spirit of each individual in the congregation to God Himself, as the Second Vatican Council said it should. Cathedral choir director and organist Jacinta Jakovcevic spoke to Anthony Barich about just how it was done. WHEN choosing music for any feast or occasion, Jacinta Jakovcevic is always mindful of helping each person in the congregation enter more deeply into the liturgical mysteries unfolding before them. Her task to choose and lead the performing of music for the opening and re-dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, then, was not an insignificant one. "My job is to help the people be really be prayerful during the Mass, so they come away from it having actually grown from the experience:' she said. With the music for the opening Mass, she has covered al bases of musical tastes - classical, traditional, modern, Latin and even some with a distinctly Australian flavour. To both artists and musicians (who consider themselves artists) of the Renaissance, their work was that of evangelisation, nudging the ordinary person to think more deeply about the message and mysteries of the Eucharist. Miss music, For Jakovcevic said, is a work of art and must be approached as such. It must be inspiring. It is appropriate, then, that the opening procession into the Cathedral will be accompanied by Music for the Royal Fireworks, by the prolific and misunderstood German composer George Frideric Handel, the architect of the renowned Messiah. "I really thought no one can do it better than Handel. This piece is just huge Miss Jakovcevic said. "It's a showstopper. It starts like fanfare, heralding the procession. "It's important to capture that feeling of grandeur; the sheer size of the building. This is a much-anticipated and joyous occasion, and this piece really captures that." The Choral Prelude to the Procession is an eightminute canticle of thanksgiving called Festival Te Deum by English composer Ralph Vaughan-Williams who composed the music for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Choral Prelude is played by the brass section and organ, and is so grand that they are able to complement the choir's contribution in the piece. The opening hymn All
people that on earth do
dwell, a Vaughan-Williams arrangement, is apt to be performed at the opening of the Mother Church of the Archdiocese, bringing all people together as it does.
It fittingly finishes invok- important occasions, and ing the Trinity - "Praise God the music must reflect this. "You're allowing people the Father, God the Son and to immerse themselves into God the Spirit, ever one!" The piece thus encom- the mystery as much as pospasses many concepts of sible." bringing people together, This is also the case for giving thanks to God for this the incensing of the altar much-anticipated event as and the church. the congregation "enter then The music for the His gates with praise" - for Preparation of the Gifts was the first time. also necessarily reflective as The Mass setting, called the congregation enters the Missa Magis, was com- truly Eucharistic phase of posed by Victorian Jesuit the liturgy. The same music Fr Christopher Willcock, was played at the closing one of the world's leading of St Mary's Cathedral on Catholic composers of litur- August 27, 2006, and later gical music. He wrote it last that day at the Closing year especially for the open- Recital, which surprisingly ing and re-dedication of the drew over 700 people. This was chosen to "pick Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and will con- up where we left off" at the closing, she said, to provide duct parts of it himself. The Mass settings are continuity between the closextensive. Not content with ing and opening ceremonies. just composing the Gloria, Willcock's Agnus Dei is Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) also reflective, but uses a and Sanctus (Holy, Holy), different a different patbut also composed the Great tern of tunes and rhythm Amen, the Memorial and that is more devotional, Gospel Acclamations. and thus appropriate for St Mary's opening was Communion, to emphasise be the first time th,e set- a gentle, prayerful atmosting was performed. Miss phere. The next Communion Jakovcevic described the Gloria as "perky and bub- Hymn, Robert Kreutz's Gift bly", while his arrangement of Finest Wheat, was written of the Litany of the Saints, or a major Eucharistic conoften sung at ordinations, gress in the United States. is catchy. Willcock added a The Communion Motet, line to the Litany: "God here referring to God's perfecamong us, show us your tion, returns to the tradimercy, stay with your peo- tional Latin with the Locus Iste, has only three lines that ple, come to our help." Miss Jakovcevic says are "spun out beautifully, this was composed with so that the choir can sing the belief that if people are it unaccompanied", Miss expected to respond - in Jakovcevic said. "Latin is a timeless lanthis case with "pray for us" and "have mercy on us", guage, and connects us then the piece must be well- to the roots of our faith; constructed, easy to sing and the sacred traditions of the Church. Though it's in the aesthetics must work. This is the case, she says, Latin, it's a fantastic setting that says it the best." for the Litany of Saints. The English translation To cover all bases, the Responsorial Psalm com- was also provided to assist posed by local composer the congregation, but was Christopher de Silva was not sung. The Communion chosen "to highlight our reflection, Eat This Bread, is Australian heritage - a piece a Taize hymn sung in many that people can pick up and parishes across Australia, sing and that sits well on and is contemplative and repetitive, so people can the ear:' After the grand open- learn it as they go along if ing and peppy Gloria, de they don't already know it. The inauguration of the Silva's Responsorial Psalm is Blessed Sacrament Chapel a sobering, reflective affair. This variety helps the - the former sanctuary congregation to enjoy the is a crucial moment during full gamut of spiritual expe- the Mass, requiring something equally spiritual - the riences during the Mass. There is a common Adoro Te, written by Dom thread between the rhythm Stephen Moreno, a Spanish of the Gloria and the Gospel Benedictine monk who lived Acclamation, so that peo- at New Norcia and bought ple remember how it goes. and installed the monastic Church composers have town's church organ. Apart been tying music together from its deep, mystical qualduring Mass for hundreds of ity, it was chosen to recogyears. The anointing of the nise the Benedictines who altar and the walls is a semi- were among the pioneers of nal time during the Mass, the Archdiocese of Perth. It and requires music that was played as the Blessed justifies the occasion. As Sacrament was placed in the A rchbishop Barry Hickey, tabernacle for the first time. The modern Recessional Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Mgr Michael Hymn, Christ be our light, Keating and Mgr Thomas "really says it all", Miss McDonald left the sanctuary Jakovcevic said, and works to anoint the walls, Jacenta well with the pipe organ and played on the organ How small chamber ensemble lovely is your dwelling place, that St Mary's choir has. The Organ Postlude was an antiphon to accompany the important ritual by taken from French composer Olivier Messiaen, a devout Christopher Walker. "It's important to have Catholic whose music is reflective pieces during the permeated by deeply spirperforming of such rituals itual themes. This Organ so that when people watch Postlude, Toccata from Dieu these significant actions, Parmi Nous - "God among it helps them understand us" - was taken from a cycle what's happening. These of nine pieces on the birth of anointings, and the first Christ, called La Nativite De time the altar cloths are laid Seigneun. This piece is the upon the altar, are all very culmination of that cycle.
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The Record December 8 2009
www.therecord.com.au
10 alitti4 ST MARY'S 2009
Sisters the unseen presence in sacristy
St .914cny's Cathedral- e-dectication Ceremony
Left, Sr M Dominic Brady. Right, Mother Ursula Frayne, who established the PHOTOS. SISTERS OF MERCY Sisters of Mercy in Australia.
The Sisters of Mercy have been the wind beneath the wings of all the pomp and ceremony of hundreds of Bishops' consecrations and priests' and deacons' ordinations at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception over most of the past 144 years. Anthony Barich reports.
the Mass; bottom, clockwise from top left, Top left, Archbishop Barry Hickey rubs oil into the altar as part of the consecration process; top right, Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher before design before the Great Depression Cavanagh's under time last Cathedral Mary's St opened Deacon Damian Gorian with Fr John Chokolich, who was there in 1930 when Archbishop Patrick Clune during the Mass; Melkite Archbishop the incense respectively, Cathedral the of Deans incoming and outgoing the stopped proceedings; Monsignors Thomas McDonald and Michael Keating, Karniewicz at the Mass; Bronia director Office Life Respect proceedings; enjoy child and father a altar; new the on candles light Keating and Eparch, lssam John Darwish; Monsignors McDonald PHOTOS: PETER CASAMENTO altar. the blesses Hickey Archbishop Mass; opening the during candle a lights O'Loughlin Brian Vicar General Mgr Sr M Theophane Johnson
THE day after Sister Ursula Frayne arrived in the Swan River Colony on May 9, 1846, she and cal event, every feast day, every the six other Sisters of Mercy consecration and ordination. from Ireland "bunkered down' Every day of the year. Sister Mary Ignatia de la Hoyde to prepare St John the Evangelist Cathedral, then the diocese's was appointed sacristan of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist Cathedral, for liturgical events. What they completed, as Ursula on January 10, 1846. She served Frayne documented, was what was possibly until the late 1860s. Sister Anna Marie O'Shea, the to become one of the roles her successors would fill over the next Sisters' archivist for over 20 years, 140-odd years - the job of a sac- told The Record that "it's worth noting that a Professed Sister always ristan. In her Sketches of Conventual accompanied the official sacristan Life in the Bush that she start- each morning as they crossed over ed writing on Shrove Tuesday in to the Cathedral (from their con1866, Mother Frayne describes vent across the road) to prepare with photographic detail the task for each day's liturgies". "On Saturdays the sacristan was ahead: "Door spaces with no doors; accompanied by a novice as the window spaces with no windows; two willing workers washed and a shingled roof through which the polished the altar(s) and sanctusun, moon and stars could be dis- ary floors, and treated with brass° tinctly seen; non ceiling; rough the numerous candlesticks - large unplastered walls; the floor a few and small, as well as the branched boards laid loosely on the ground candlesticks used for Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament," and clattering under one's feet. "A common wooden counter, said Sr Anna Maria, the siswhich some retired shopkeeper ter of Rottnest Island chaplain had given, served for an altar. A Monsignor Sean O'Shea. Caring for the sacred vessels, faded green table cover with yeland other liturgical vestments antefor centre and corners low pendent. A piece of white calico items was a privilege, she said. "I unhemmed which might have know for certain that at least one been washed a couple of years ago, sacristan had a sewing machine at the only altar cloth, such was the hand in the sacristy:' she said. Over the years, the number church and its belongings. "And yet, 'Door as it was, it bore of ceremonies and occasions for testimony of the undying faith of which the sacristan prepared the Irish Catholic, for it was built would be difficult to reckon, Sr by a few Catholics, the poorest of Anna Maria said. They also set up the altar for the poor; some giving their labour, others materials while a few were a Mass before the 7am Mass each little better off as to worldly goods morning, especially the numerous Masses on Sundays; preparing contributed their mite in cash. "And there it stood, the church, the altar for Benediction and for the only spot in that vast country the Novena to Our Lady of the which Almighty God the Giver of Immaculate Conception on each Wednesday, which still occurs. all reserved to Himself:' The efforts of these Sisters over They sealed the roof with calico, covered the walls with devices the years were heroic, Archbishop formed with banana leaves and Barry Hickey told The Record. One, Sr Mary Thomas Parolo, branches of the blackboy tree, "which has branches something distinguished herself by falling off like the eastern palms such as you the ledge at the back of the high have seen in paintings borne by altar. Fortunately, she survived and eventually returned to her post. martyrs": Sr Mary Norbert Greally, in her They latticed the window spaces with other branches, nailed the second stint as sacristan, finished floorboard down and cleaned off at the end of 1994 after many them; and a white net over the years of hard work and faithful altar of crimson silk, powdered service by the Sisters of Mercy. She with stars in gold paper gummed received a special invitation to the on, with a clean altar cloth with opening and re-dedication of St Mary's Cathedral on December 8 long ends. They furnished the church with to represent her sisters. Other Sisters who have been a "handsome" tabernacle, crucifix and candlesticks Bishop John recorded as sacristans over the Brady had brought, plus vest- 148 years are Sisters Mary (M) ments from Lyons, a Monstrance Augustine Cullom, M Ignatius to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Murphy, M Patricia Savage and M Benediction, a chalice and other Theophane Johnson. Many were Australian-born, as well as Irish. sacred vessels. "It is most appropriate that Mother Ursula was clearly proud of the finished product, the Mercy Sisters had a long and remarking: "Altogether when the devoted connection with the altar was lighted up and the con- Cathedral as sacristans for 100 gregation assembled, the church years," Archbishop Hickey said. "They were present virtually at presented a sight not easily to be forgotten. On that first Sunday, the foundation of the Church in the Bishop celebrated Pontifical Western Australia as well as at High Mass with Deacon and Sub- the foundation of education and Deacon, Master of Ceremonies health care. "Their efforts in Perth and and assistance in all the appropriate vestments" - all thanks to the around the State, along with those of other Congregations of Sisters of Mercy. While the church was service- Religious Sisters, have been truly able for now, the Archdiocese remarkable and heroic. "The inspiration for their efforts of Perth was to build a bigger always their commitment was road Cathedral 100 metres up the - the Cathedral of the Immaculate to Jesus and His Church, so the Conception - and the Sisters additional task of caring for the would have a continuing role to Cathedral was something they play in preparing for every liturgi- undertook with joy:'
A dream is fulfilled as Archbishop opens St Mary's rules also prohibit a new Continuedfrom Page 1 changed the name of building from using the the pro-Cathedral to original design on the same the Cathedral of the site. At the opening of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on new building in 1930, Archbishop Clune had June 17, 1855. When the new Cathedral said, "It is with a saddened was built the name was heart that we must leave transferred when it was the dream of completing St Mary's Cathedral to a opened in 1865. The completion of the future generation." When appealing to Cathedral has overcome numerous hurdles since the WA public for the then, including the cur- final $7.5 million for the rent global recession, Cathedral, Archbishop eerily redolent of the Hickey quipped: "The difGreat Depression in 1930 ference between us and that stopped Archbishop Archbishop Clune is that Clune's plans in its tracks we cannot stop." Western Australia's ecoand forced an early opening of an incomplete Cathedral nomic boom triggered by designed by MF Cavanagh. the mining sector also took Heritage Council of WA its toll, as the project blew
out by $7.5 million, and plans were still being finalised during construction. When the project was started at the height of the building boom, the Archdiocese approached four steel companies; three of them wouldn't touch the project as they had so much work already. Cathedral planners got an initial quote, but then costs trebled. The cost of concrete had risen by 70 per cent, adding $1.8 million to the cost, and steel had almost doubled in price, adding another million. The roof of the Cavanagh section was to have been repaired and renovated, but had to be replaced for
and Foreign an additional $1 million. Barnett Other impacts of the boom Minister Stephen Smith added $2 million to the were present at the opening to represent their respecbuilder's costs. In a real sense, the project tive State and Federal has unified the Archdiocese Governments along with a as never before. Parishes number of past and present and schools have formed Federal and State MPs. Up to 550 workers spent closer bonds by holding fundraising events; ethnic 200,000 hours bringgroups, cultural groups, ing local architect Peter colleges, families, individu- Quinn's design to fruition als and religious organisa- over three years after the tions have banded together Cathedral closed in August to fundraise the $32.9 mil- 2006 for "conservation and lion required to finish the restoration" work. The design retains the project. Donations ranged from original 1865 front end and the 1930 back third, with a $2 to $1 million. The Federal and WA new middle section joining State Governments also them up, along with a new c ontributed $4 million and tower and spire; plus a crypt to hold Perth's past Bishops $3 million, respectively. WA Premier Colin and future Archbishops for
up to 500 years to come. Seating was increased from 700 to 1,050, with an extra 500 available in the overflow courtyard, with the unorthodox but increasingly popular design of arranging the pews around an unusual octagonal altar and sanctuary. The panels behind the new Blessed Sacrament Chapel change colours according to the liturgical season. The tabernacle in the new Cathedral was used in the 1865 and 1930 Cathedral and has been in storage since 1973. Now it has been fully restored and placed in a central position where the 1930 Cathedral sanctuary was.
The Record December 8 2009
k\ mtherecord.com.au
ST MARY'S 2009 4141411 Mary: true
St 9Valy's Cathedral- We-d-ect-ication Ceremony
womanhood and graced humanity
Top left: Archbishop Barry Hickey holds aloft the chalice holding the Blood of Christ during the consecration as Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Papal Nuncio to Australia, looks on; Archbishop Hickey welcomes the congregation to the opening and re-dedication Mass; Maureen Colgan, dupty chair of the Cathedral Fundraising Committee, reads the Second Reading. Below, clockwise from top left: Tom and Angela Mahardy, Pat Brown and Lynda Stanes dress the altar with cloth for the first time; Fr Christopher Willcock Si conducts the Cathedral choir to the Mass setting he composed especially for the PHOTOS. PETER CASAMENTO event; Perth Catholics pray the Our Father; Archbishop Hickey embraces Monsignor Thomas McDonald during the Mass.
A beacon to reflect the light of Christ, role ofM Continuedfrom Page 1 became the first Cathedral when Brady became Bishop. It is still used today as St John's Pro-Cathedral and is located but 100 metres away in Victoria Avenue. Bishop Brady invited the Spanish Benedictines to the Swan River Colony to undertake missionary work for Aboriginal people. It was on 8th December 1847 that Dom Serra and Dom Salvado, both of whom later became Bishops, opened an Aboriginal School at New Norcia. This Cathedral we reopen today might have been dedicated to St John the Evangelist, but because of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, it is dedicated to Mary under that title, with its Patronal Feastday being today, 8th December. This Cathedral is the result of these attempts to provide a complete and large enough Cathedral to cater for a growing population. The first Cathedral to be built on this site was opened in 1865 by Fr Martin Griver as Apostolic Administrator. He was later ordained Bishop of Perth. The total cost for the
Archbishop Barry Hickey delivers his homily at the historic opening last Tuesday evening. PHOTO: PETER CASAMENTO
first Cathedral was £,4,000. Archbishop Clune sought to build a much larger Cathedral in the 1920s. He built the sanctuary and the transept and these beautiful chapels, but had to leave its completion for later generations, because the finance of the Western world had collapsed into a profound depression. It may be of interest to know that Archbishop Duhig
of Brisbane preached at the opening. In 2006, after years of planning and negotiation with the Perth City Council and the WA Heritage Council every stone here is heritage began the building of a structure in order to unite the first and second Cathedrals on this site into a harmonious whole in order to provide a c omplete Cathedral. It is this Cathedral with its c ontemporary and historic elements brought together that we open and rededicate today. A rchbishop Clune left his dream to future generations to complete. Those generations are here today, the families and generous donors who felt that the time had arrived to complete the Cathedral and who provided the daunting amounts needed to do so. In a very real sense this Cathedral is the work of the people because had they not supported it with enormous generosity, it could not have been done. Archbishop Clune faced a Depression - we came up against a Boom which made building costs skyrocket. I do wish to acknowledge publicly today the architect, Peter Quinn, who offered
us a brilliant solution to the problems of meshing the old and the new in an attractive and functional way. I record my gratitude to the Perth City Council, the Heritage Council and the National Trust for their enthusiastic backing of this project. I record too my warmest thanks to all the members of the Committees: Mgr Michael Keating and the Fundraising Committee; Mr Brett Mendez for his media, production, and fundraising skills; the Arts and Furnishings Committee; the Project Committee itself; other ad hoc working parties; the Dean of the Cathedral, Mgr Tom McDonald; the Project Manager, Mr Michael Reutens; the Chairman of the Committees, Bishop Don Sproxton; Sr Kerry Willison for the Arts and Liturgical Briefs, and for the hard work of all these people and the hundreds of others who worked with them. My work became easy because of all these willing people of faith. A Cathedral is a symbol of the faith of the people. There is more than an echo of the great Temple of Jerusalem in our Cathedral. The Temple was the centre of Jewish Worship of
God. We believe that the Risen Lord Jesus is now the new Temple of the New Covenant. A Cathedral celebrates our dependence on Almighty God through Jesus our Saviour. We do so in the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Mass in the singing of the psalms, the reading of the Holy Scriptures and the prayers of the assembly of God's People. You will note many interesting features in this Cathedral: the use of the old sanctuary as the Blessed Sacrament Chapel with the original 1865 Tabernacle; the use of the jarrah for the flooring; the altar; the sanctuary furniture; the use of local materials in the limestone facing; the Donnybrook stone and the flooring stone from Myalup. You will also note the repositioning of the great organ from the side transept to its noble location above the entrance. The Southern Island that Organ Company restored and enhanced our Dodd organ gave us a second one that we have placed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. There are many other
unique features to note like the arresting Stations of the Cross, but I leave them to you to discover. There is one feature that deserves special attention the Aboriginal Pathway near the entrance to the Cathedral. It was drawn by a local Nyoongar woman, Laurel Nannup, and describes in 16 panels the life of the Aboriginal people at the time of the first Cathedral, and the coming of Christianity. This is an acknowledgement that they were here thousands of years before and were, and still are, custodians of the land. Last Saturday the remains of five of the former Bishops of Perth were interred in the crypt below the high altar; Bishops Gibney and Griver, and Archbishops Prendiville, Goody and Foley. It is a sobering thought that more will follow. My hope is that this ,place of worship, with its delightful spire and gleaming in the bright Perth sun, will proclaim to all who pass by the beauty and love of God, and be a beacon that reflects the light of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour and the role of the sinless Mary Immaculate in offering her Son, Jesus to the world as its Saviour.
ANNA ICROHN Record Contributer he magnificent reopening of the newly restored St Mary s Cathedral in Perth this week marks a truly redletter day for Australia and for the entire Christian world. However very few people (apart from dedicated locals) know that the Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady under her title of The Immaculate Conception. This, of course, explains why this remarkable event is taking place on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It was the pioneer Spanish Benedictine Bishop of Perth, Joseph Benedict Serra, who was so strongly inspired in the immediate wake of the First Vatican Council, by the 1854 promulgation of this definitive Catholic teaching, that he re-named his Cathedral (from St John the Evangelist) to Our Lady's new title only year later in 1855. (I imagine that of all the saints, St John, who tradition suggests took the Mother of God into his care, would not be miffed by the Bishop's change.) The Feast also highlights the enduring fact that The Immaculate Conception is one of the least understood and unappreciated of all Catholic doctrines. Firstly, there is widespread confusion, that the title refers to the Christian belief in the virginal conception of Jesus Christ - the doctrine of the Virgin Birth. This leads to the endlessly tiresome and often offensive books, plays (there is one showing in theatres now) and even stupidly erroneous references to "virgins" in the secular culture. But it is not only non-Catholics who are confused. Many Catholics in our time have really no idea what it means to believe that Our Lady was "immaculately conceived:' Secondly, the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, defined it seems so late in the Church's long history, has created difficult misunderstandings with our brothers and sisters in the Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran cornmunions. For even the most .sophisticated of their theologians baulk at what appears to them a Catholic foible that is neither authentically Scriptural nor liturgical. And thirdly, although contemporary humanisms and feminisms have not fulfilled anything like their platforms of "liberations" from Christian tradition, they nonetheless have trained us to be suspicious of the type of iconography of the Immaculate Conception, which depicts our Mother Mary, the model Christian and woman, as wan, passively otherworldly, wafted along on a cloud of cherubs and pastel roses. After all we moderns seem to believe that a little (or great) bit of vice or sin makes us more authentic, more human, more truly ourselves. Pope Benedict XVI muses on this deluded fas-
T
cination with sin and Godautonomy often: "we suspect that one who doesn't sin must be really boring: Attached to this, even for the most loyal Catholics, is the fear that Mary's "immaculate" character is as Father Paul Mankowski SJ says (in one of his many memorable homilies), "so remote from the moral sweatiness and squalor in which our own personal struggles occur" and leads to our alienation from her. We imagine her to be scarcely human, a mythical ideal more than a person, and impossible dream rather than our historically real Mother in flesh and faith. However, if we learn to reread and re-pray the Virgin Mary's great victory hymn of the Magnificat (look it up in St Luke's Gospel, 1:46-55) putting aside our prejudices and fears, we see how closely aligned the great doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is to Scripture and to a complete and thoroughly threedimensional account of faithful womanhood. Our Lady was is not a passive and weak woman but the "strong woman"(mulier fortis) and "daughter-leader" prophesied in the Old Testament. Her receptivity to "the strength of His arm", begins with at the earliest moments of her conception (her parents Anna and Joachim were holy but flesh and blood spouses and parents). She sings in these verses, not of her own virtue but of the fiery transformation that receiving God's grace brings about at the core of human existence and society. In her hymn, she declares that everything, her life and her holiness are utterly blessed "§ifts" from the Father, she the hand-maid" and mother to the most "starving" and needy of humanity. As she does this, she is not primly humble, but wise; her tiny' explodes into history with God's descending merciful love (His misericordia) and the appearing of His Redeeming Power. Mary also knew that being full of grace does not remove her from history or squalor. She was a displaced mother, a pregnant refugee, a disciple of the wandering preacher Christ (there were no buses about Galilee) and the mother of our crucified Lord. Like the (smaller stars) Saints Francis, Catherine of Siena and Teresa of Calcutta, "the closer we are to God, the closer we are to man" (Pope Benedict XVI again). For Mary, her intimacy with God pulled every fibre of her being and heart into the suffering exposure of the love of Christ. It is little wonder that Pope John Paul II sees Our Lady as the model of "true feminism" and Pope Benedict says that the Immaculate Conception is the Feast of Mary's challenge to be close to her while she urges us: "Have courage to dare with God. Try it." Origin of the term Immaculate Conception - Page 16
The Record December 8 2009
12 Ai ST MARY'S 2009
Suffering of altar martyrs testifies to Christ's power Relics in the altar THE relics of four saints were placed in the St Mary's Cathedral altar during the re-dedication ceremony on December 8. The relics of two of them, St Prudentius and St Paulina, were placed in the previous altar when the Cathedral was dedicated by Archbishop Launcelot Goody in 1973. Both were early Roman martyrs about whom not a great deal is known definitively except that they were martyred and their remains were buried in the catacombs. The custom of placing relics, particularly of martyrs, in church altars arose from the fact that in the catacombs Mass was said in the presence of many relics. St Prudentius was possibly a pupil of St Peter, and his feast day is celebrated on May 19. St Paulina was one of a group of Roman women mar-
St Paulina
tyred in one of the early persecutions, possibly under the Emperor Valerian. Her relics were enshrined in the catacombs of Via Salaria, Rome. Her feast day is celebrated on December 31. The two other Saints added to the altar of St Mary's Cathedral are St Catherine of Alexandria and St Paul Mild. St Catherine's history is not documented, but her lively
St Catherine
and widespread legend says she was born and raised a pagan, but converted to Christianity. It is said that she visited the Roman Emperor Maximinus,
and attempted to convince him of the error of his ways in persecuting Christians. She succeeded in converting his wife, the Empress, and many pagan wise men whom the Emperor sent to dispute with her. Upon the failure of the Emperor to win Catherine over, he ordered her to be put in prison. When the people who visited her converted, she was condemned to death on the breaking wheel, an instrument of torture. According to legend, the wheel itself broke when she touched it, so she was beheaded. According to Christian tradition, angels carried her body to Mount Sinai, where in the 6th century, the Eastern Emperor Justinian established a monastery in her name. It still survives as a famous repository of early Christian art, architecture and illuminated manuscripts that is open to visiting scholars. Her principal symbol is the spiked wheel, which has become known in firework displays as the Catherine wheel. Her feast day is celebrated on November 25 St Paul Mild was born in 1562 at Tsunokuni, Japan,
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emporgiagN-Nr St Paul MIki
Saint Paul Miki was the leader of the famous Nagasaki martyrs. He was born wealthy, the son of the military leader Miki Handayu. He felt a call to religious life from his youth and was educated at the Jesuit colleges at Azuchi and Takatsuki. He became a Jesuit in 1580 and was a successful evangelist. When the political climate became hostile to Christianity, he decided to continue his ministry but was soon arrested. On his way to martyrdom, he and other imprisoned Christians were marched 600 miles so they could be abused by, and be a lesson to, their countrymen; they sang the Te Deum on the way. His last sermon was delivered from the cross. He and his companions were crucified on February 5, 1597 at Nagasaki. He was beatified on September 14, 1627 by Pope Urban VIII and canonised on June 8, 1862 by Pope Pius IX. His feast day is February 6.
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We have an Altar (III) The Ecumenical Dimension
This week, one of Australia's leading liturgists concludes his series for The Record on the significance of an altar in a Church
BY BISHOP PETER J ELLIOTT MELBOURNE AUXILIARY BISHOP
W
hen Catholics visit other Christian churches we are struck either by what appears different or we recognise what seems similar to the arrangement of a Catholic church. We have already noted the Eastern Christian arrangement where the altar is concealed by the great screen, ikonostais, in various Catholic Eastern Rite and Orthodox churches. But, except for the screen, the Eastern sanctuary arrangement is similar to our Roman Rite churches. In Anglican and Lutheran churches we notice a closer similarity to the plan of our Rite because their forms of worship developed out of our common Western European liturgical tradition. There is a visible central altar with a cross and, in most cases, candles, and the lectern or pulpit is placed to one side. In Uniting Churches the arrangement may be similar, but not always. In traditional Presbyterian churches it is rather different. The large pulpit stands at the centre and a small table may be in front of it, to be moved forward for a communion service. In the Baptist churches the total immersion font holds pride of place in the church, usually located at the back of the sanctuary area. Historical background helps us understand what happened to the altar in these traditions. The Protestant Reformation marked a crisis for the Christian altar. Martin Luther was only prepared to say that the Mass was "a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving", which is a partial truth. In Catholic teaching the Mass is much more - the same sacrifice as the Cross, an action of intercession adoration,
Above: the new altar in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, centrally located in the new sanctuary, seen from various angles. The panels behind the tabernacle in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, seen behind the altar above, change according to the liturgical feast of the day. PHOTOS: THE RECORD STAFF
and propitiation for Nevertheless, Luther's fol lowers retained the altar and the existing plan and furnishing of Catholic churches. In some Lutheran countries such as Sweden, the priestly vestments are still worn by the minister. In Lutheran regions, only one or two altars continued to be used in a church for the new Communion service that replaced the Mass. The more radical Protestant Reformers, Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, went further. They taught that the Eucharist was not a sacrifice at all. They reduced the Eucharist to a symbolic meal eaten in memory of the redeeming death of Jesus and they denied his Real Presence, describing it more as a spiritual presence in the heart of the believer. One does not need an altar for a religious meal in remembrance of Jesus, so the existing stone altars were destroyed and replaced by wooden tables for the Lords Supper". The pulpit was
moved to where the altar once stood because preaching the word was regarded as more important than sacraments. This new doctrine led to waves of altar smashing wherever the civil authorities accepted the radical form of the Protestant Reformation. The stone altar was rightly seen as a symbol of the Mass and a campaign to abolish the Mass meant that the old altars had to go. In England, guided by the Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, the government of Edward VI ordered the destruction of all the Catholic altars in 1550. Many were rebuilt during the brief reign of the Catholic Queen, Mary 1(1553-1558), because she restored the Mass and the sacrificing priesthood. However, in 1559, Elizabeth I commanded that these altars had to be dismantled and replaced by wooden communion tables. The top of the old altars, the large consecrated altar stone or mensa, was put
to profane use in farms or shops. Sometimes it was set into the floor of the church so that the people had to walk over it, to inculcate a rejection of the Mass. The destruction of Catholic altars took place during a series of waves of iconoclasm, the breaking and burning of statues, paintings and frescoes and the smashing of much stained glass. At the same time, the Crown confiscated or required the sale of altar vessels, ornaments and vestments. Along with altars, these were rejected as objects of "idolatry" and "superstition" or "papist paltry".
"They reduced the Eucharist to a symbolic meal eaten in memory of the redeeming death of Jesus and they denied his Real Presence ..." However, as the research of scholars such as Prof Eamon Duffy shows, this radical mayhem was not
accepted by the masses of the people. They hated these changes, and were confused by demolitions and restorations. Queen Elizabeth herself was not happy with the destruction of altars and kept the crucifix and candles on the altar in her private chapel. In the light of this confusion it comes as no surprise to see more moderate and prudent Anglican leaders promoting moves not only to restore the ravaged church interiors but to make the communion table look like a Catholic altar. In the 17th century, King Charles I and Archbishop Laud directed Anglicans to move the communion table back to the position where the old Catholic stone altar once stood. It was fenced in with a railing, where the people knelt for Communion. It was dressed with fine hangings and furnished with candlesticks to look like a Catholic altar. But the Puritans were enraged by these changes. A fter the Civil War, when
they took power under Oliver Cromwell, all this restored beauty was brutally swept aside as "popery" and any remaining images and stained glass windows were smashed in yet another wave of vandalism. While there was a return to better ways after Cromwell's era, it would take centuries to repair the harm done by the iconoclasts. It was not until the 19th century Oxford Movement, that "high church" Anglicans in England began to design and adorn the communion table like a Catholic altar and to describe it as "the altar". The revival of gothic architecture and medieval symbolism in stained glass and fine carving led to a recovery of pre-Reformation decor, rites, practices and customs. A richly carved or painted reredos of wood or stone was often set up behind the altar. In some of these "AngloCatholic" churches stone altars were set up and full Catholic ceremonial was adopted, as may be seen to this day. By contrast, Evangelical Anglicans still use a simple "communion table" according to strict Reformation principles. With consistent logic, they do not describe these as "altars" because they do not accept the Catholic doctrines of the Eucharistic sacrifice and the Real Presence. In the last century in the United States, a 'high church" style of church design spread not only among American Anglicans (Episcopalians) but even among some Presbyterians and other Protestant denominations which have no tradition of an altar. They began to dress their communion table with hangings, a cross, even candlesticks. Even a richly carved reredos appeared behind it in some churches. More significantly, the pulpit was moved to the side so that the communion table now takes pride of place in many of their churches. As noted, the Lutherans have always maintained a noble form of communion table similar to the pre-Reformation altar. The post-Vatican II freestanding Catholic altar, with the celebrant facing the people, has also been widely adopted in various denominations. This recovery of Catholic symbolism in worship and a rediscovery of liturgy in traditional forms has significant value in ecumenical relations, especially when there is dialogue over the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Rather than being a symbol of division, as in the past, the Christian altar should become a sign of unity.
•
Spanish priests forge link with Salvado's home diocese and St Mary's BY ANTHONY BARICH
National Reporter TWO Spanish priests from the Diocese of Tuy-Vigo where Bishop Rosendo Salvado hails from were in Perth for the opening and dedication of St Mary's Cathedral to learn more about him in preparation for the 200th anniversary of his birth in 2014. Fr Jesus Casas Otero, 75, the director of the Diocesan Museum, and Fr Juan Luis Martinez Diz, 36, in charge of five parishes in Tuy-Vigo, were also here to represent Bishop Salvado's heritage at the re-opening of the Cathedral at which he laid the foundation stone in 1863. Back in the Diocese of TuyVigo, Bishop Salvado's name is known, but his exploits in establishing the Diocese of Perth are largely unknown. There is a statue of Bishop Salvado not far from St Mary's in the Diocese of TuyVigo, and the local secular
a
Left, Frs Juan Luis Martinez Diz and Jesus Casas Otero from Spain in front of St Mary's Cathedral last week; above, Fr Martinez with Spanish pilgrims on their way to WYD08 billetted to North Beach during Days in the Diocese. Right, Frs Martinez and Jesus with Fr Martinez's cousin Jaime Pazos Rodriguez at Bishop Salvado's tomb in New Norcia.
newspaper ran a story on the two priests' special visit to Perth to forge a link between Salvado's Australian diocese and his Spanish home. The two visiting priests
aim to change that, by visiting Bishop Salvado's tomb in the church in the Benedictine town of New Norcia which he helped build as a mission for Aborigines.
Fr Martinez's interest in Bishop Salvado originated in the Jubilee Year of 2000, when he joined the seminary and his Diocese celebrated the 100th anniversary of his
death. In 2008 he led five other priests from his diocese and 25 pilgrims to Perth for Days in the Diocese in preparation for World Youth Day in Sydney.
His group was billeted at homes of Our Lady of Grace, North Beach parishioners. A fterwards, parishioner Sally Millar posted him an article from The Record on Bishop
• Salvado, and his interest grew. He sought an invitation from Archbishop Barry Hickey to return to Perth for the reopening and dedication of St Mary's Cathedral, which was one of the late prelate's legacies. "To return to Perth for this
occasion is a great honour," said Fr Martinez, the youngest of three children whose parents have now moved into his presbytery, and his mother cooks for him - a cultural norm. He was shocked to discover this does not happen in Australia.
The Record December 8 2009
www.therecord.com.au
ST MARY'S 20096.4111, 13
St .Mary's Cathedral-Re-dedication Ceremony
St Joachim's 'transformed' by Cathedral duties BY ANTHONY BARICH National Reporter
Worshippers leave the Cathedral after an evening they will never forget and which they will be able to tell their children and grandchildren about. St Mary's now stands completed after generations of Catholics and priests created a church that was able to resource the final completion of the cathedral. Earlier, outgoing Dean Monsignor Thomas McDonald had welcomed worshippers and dignitaries to PHOTOS: JUSTINE STEVENS the event. One of the final events of the evening was the placing of the Blessed Sacrament in the original tabernacle used in the 1865 cathedral.
_
Vox Pops - what Catholic, Anglican,Uniting, Orthodox thought of the occasion CARDINAL GEORGE PELL Archbishop of Sydney It was a wonderful evening, a magnificent celebration of faith. The depth of the faith of the people is wonderfully reflected in the architecture of the building - a mixture of the old and new, and a wonderful example of what Pope Benedict would call 'the hermeneutic of continuity', development and progress, (while) hanging on to the past.
BISHOP ANTHONY FISHER OP Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney I think it's a great cause for hope and courage. There's a lot of people today who think the Church is shrinking or dying or ageing, and here you have a very tangible monument to its being ever-new, and having a great future. We see here hundreds of priests and Bishops and thousands of laypeople that really shows that the Church is alive and kicking here in Perth, as it is in the rest of the country.
ISSAM JOHN DAR WISH Eparch, Melkite Catholic Church I am really happy to be here and to concelebrate with my brother Bishops and Archbishop Hickey. It is an event for Perth and Australia, and I think it will give all Christians more courage to testify to their faith in the world.
FR DORU BUCUR Romanian Orthodox Church
BISHOP JULIAN PORTEOUS Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney It's a chance for the diocese to recognise its Mother Church and for to build a closer relationship with the Archbishop in particular.
REV KEN WILLIAMS Uniting Church Synod of WA Moderator A building like this is designed to lift our hearts and minds above ourselves, and an occasion like this helps that happen too; and hopefully we reflect on where we fit in the scheme of things and think about others who are less fortunate.
It's a great honour for us to take part in this special event for the Catholic Church in Western Australia, especially for Perth. Wonderful work has been done here, and it demonstrates that he faith and relationship between the people and the Church is very strong in Perth. We thank God for that..
ARCHBISHOP ROGER HERFT Anglican Archbishop of Perth
REV DR JOHN SHEPHERD Anglican Dean of Perth
ARCHBISHOP PHILIP WILSON Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President,
It's very important that the Cathedral is being restored. It tells us about our own lives and the need for our own restoration in Christ, and the expansiveness of the Cathedral tells us again of God's generosity and grace.
Beautiful cathedrals are a way into understanding the beauty of God, so we come into the beauty of holiness to get a real sense of the dimensions of the Divine, and the whole harmony of the Trinity. So it's more than just a building where we gather to keep the rain off and come into the shade; it's entering into another experience of the Divine.
BISHOP GREG O'KELLY Catholic Bishop of Port Pine, SA
BISHOP MYLES MCICEON Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Perth I worked as an assistant priest at the Cathedral from 1948 until 1962. The one thing that made me very happy as I looked at all the drawings was bringing the altar down to the centre, as it's in accordance with the liturgical reforms that came into the Church after the Second Vatican Council - that it be the central focus of attention. In the old Cathedral, people were far away from the altar. It was sad, really. It's a beautiful accomplishment.
This is like an act of the Church. It's a celebration for the whole Church in Australia, which is animated by this celebration. It's like a birthday in the family.
I'm very pleased to be here as President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, as the completion of the Cathedral is a very important ecclesial event for us, and I'm sure it will assume very great importance in the life of the Archdiocese as the liturgical centre of the diocese.
ST JOACHIM'S Parish in Victoria Park has been transformed by its stint as the Archdiocesan Pro-Cathedral, outgoing Cathedral Dean Thomas Monsignor McDonald said. "When St Joachim's became the Pro-Cathedral it revitalised the parish here, and, of course, as the Cathedral liturgy came to St Joachim's, many of the St Joachim's parishioners were utterly delighted, and said they'd never experienced anything like this before Mgr McDonald told The Record. Mgr McDonald, 60, handed over the reigns as Dean of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to Mgr Michael Keating during the December 8 opening and re-dedication Mass but will remain acting Cathedral Dean until the Cathedral Palace presbytery renovations are completed and Mgr Keating can move in. It is unknown when the palace restorations will be complete, but Archbishop Barry Hickey said at the December 8 Mass that Mgr Keating should resume his duties in the new year of 2010. St Joachim's is a distinctly multicultural parish, Mgr McDonald said, with significant Italian and Filipino communities and the Couples for Christ apostolate has made St Joachims their home. A "very significant" group of young students from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia who study at Curtin also attend the 6pm Mass on Sunday evenings with a youth music group, said Mgr McDonald, who shared pastoral duties at St Joachim's with his two assistant priests Frs Jesus Bello and Noel Latt. Mgr McDonald took over as St Joachim's parish priest from Fr John Gandini on September 2 after the last Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on August 27, 2006 before its closure for restoration and completion. The first Masses at St Joachim's as the ProCathedral were held the following weekend. Since then, St Joachim's has been the home for most major diocesan events, including Good Friday, Easter weekend and Christmas ceremonies, though ordinations to the deaconate and the priesthood have been held elsewhere. St Joachim's also saw Sister Bernadette take her permanent profession in the Missionaries of the Gospel in October 2008, as the start of a new Association of Christ's Faithful. Cathedral parishioner Kath Jaques said in the November 22 St Joachim's Parish Bulletin that "some trepidation" was felt by both the Cathedral and St Joachim's parishioners about the move. She said that a St Joachim's parishioner expressed the concern that the merger might disrupt the culture of the St Joachim's parish, "so we were aware of a possible resentment of changes we
Mgr Thomas McDonald
might bring about. We hope that we have not been too disruptive and that you have benefited in some ways from our presence'. Mgr McDonald said these fears were soon dispelled, and Kath Jaques said that some Cathedral parishioners have even decided to remain as St Joachim's parishioners, "so that is a measure of how at home we have felt". Mgr McDonald, who has been Cathedral Dean for 18 years, said that "in the main, St Joachim's parishioners looked upon their church being chosen as the ProCathedral as an honour and as a blessing". "St Joachim's is a wonderful parish community. The parishioners are lovely people; they are a people of great faith and people who are very supportive of the priests and very appreciative of what the priests do for them," he said. Prior to the move to St Joachim's, the Cathedral's average Sunday attendances were around the 1800 mark over all the Masses. Coming to St Joachim's, the average mass attendance on Sunday was half that, closer to 1000, as he said many Cathedral parishioners went elsewhere. "A very significant number of Cathedral parishioners", however, came to St Joachim's each and every Sunday, he said. Archbishop Barry Hickey has asked Mgr McDonald to continue with pastoral care at St Joachim's while remaining as acting Cathedral Dean until Mgr Keating can move into the Cathedral Palace. Prior to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception's closure, its parish consisted of people from roughly 65 suburbs in the Metropolitan area. The Cathedral will be opened during certain hours between the December 8 opening and Christmas Eve, when it will be fully opened to the public. The new weekly timetable for the Cathedral will commence on the weekend on December 26-27, 2009. As much as he loved the St Joachim's community, Mgr McDonald said that he felt "very much at home again" during the December 5 blessing of the sacred vessels and vestments and blessing and interment of the five Perth diocesan Bishops. "I'm extremely happy with the completion of the Cathedral project, and coming back home was a wonderful experience," he said.
BISHOP GEOFFREY JARRETT Catholic Bishop of Lismore, NSW The significance of this event is not just for today but for generations to come. Perth has a magnificent Mother Church, and I've been amazed at the extent of the work that's been done.
FR ABRAM ABDELMALEK Coptic Orthodox Church I wish to congratulate Archbishop Hickey and all the Catholics of Perth. For us, this is a milestone, as we hope to open our own Cathedral. Hopefully Archbishop Hickey has opened the doors for us and we will follow suit.
FR nEGAV WELDESLASSIE Ethiopian Orthodox Church It's a very happy day for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; we're very glad for this day, for the re-dedication of St Mary's Cathedral.
The Record December 8 2009 www.therecord.com.au
14 >kJ ST MARY'S 2009
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The Record December 8 2009
ST MARY'S 2009 aillit415
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Known as St Mary's, what is the origin of the proper title of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception?
T
he term 'Immaculate Conception' designates the belief that the Virgin Mary was free from original sin from the very beginning of her life, ie from her conception. The rest of mankind inherits a human nature infected with sin, because of the Fall of Adam, from whom the human race takes its origin. Each person is delivered from this original sin only by his adherence to Christ, the Redeemer. But Mary was, by a unique grace, preserved from ever contracting original sin; she inherited human nature in an untainted condition and hence is said to have been conceived immaculate. This privilege, designed to make her a suitable mother for Christ, was given her in view of His future merits. The Church holds that the Immaculate Conception was included in the body of doctrine originally entrusted to the Apostles and transmitted by them to the Church; otherwise it could not now be made a matter of faith. But this does not imply that the Apostles received an explicit instruction on the matter. If the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was, in the beginning, only a hidden implication
A mosaic of the Immaculate Conception from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary in glory. The Catholic belief that Mary was free from original sin from the moment of her existence was promulgated by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The feast of the Immaculate Conception is December 8.
contained in other more express teachings, and destined to be perceived and brought out into the open only after the gospel had germinated in the Christian mind and brought forth fruit through centuries of meditation, this would suffice to make the Immaculate Conception part of the Apostolic teaching in the sense required by the Church. Explicit belief in the Immaculate Conception seems to have arisen in the Church as an application or specification of the general doctrine of Mary's holiness. Chapters I and 2 of Luke (confirmed by Ch I of Matthew) represent Mary as an exceptionally holy person. They also seem to relate her holiness to her being chosen as Christ's Mother: "... thou has found grace with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive ..:' (Lk 1.30-31). It is clear that only a flawless holiness would be in any way proportionate to the sacredness of her office.
CNS PHOTO COURTESY BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
writing, "it was fitting that she be clothed with a purity so splendid that none greater under God could be conceived." (De conceptu virginali 18).
Early Development The earliest Church Fathers regarded Mary as holy but not as absolutely sinless. Origen and some of his followers assumed that she had been imperfect like other human beings. she inherited human nature in an untainted condition and hence is said to have been conceived immaculate." 4 ‘...
But as time went on, the thought of her became more and more characterised in the mind of the Church by the note of holiness - a tendency that was power-
fully stimulated in the East by the Council of Ephesus (431) when it ratified her title Mother of God. By the 8th century, belief that her holiness was both flawless and
immense was firmly established throughout the Byzantine world. In the Latin West, the same development took place more slowly; but by 1099 St Anselm was
Popes and Dogmatic Definition The popes at first, and for a long time, left the question of the Immaculate Conception, like so many other theological disagreements, open for free discussion. From time to time, however, the heat of the controversy obliged them to intervene in order to protect the peace of the Church. When this occurred, they tended to assume more and more decidedly the role of defenders of the belief against its attackers. Thus Sixtus IV, in 1482 and 1483, forbade the accusation of heresy to be used by either side in the dispute when it was being used chiefly by the opponents of the belief; he had given permission for a liturgical office of the Conception (1477 and 1480). This had the effect of reassuring proponents of the belief, and led to an outburst of artistic representations, above all in Spain, where
the classical iconography of the Immaculate Conception became fixed during the 17th century. During this period, numerous requests for a favourable definition of the belief were firmly declined by the Popes. Gregory XV declared, "The Holy Spirit, although besought by the most constant prayers, has not yet opened to His Church the secrets of this mystery." A fter a peaceful 18th century, the 19th began with a new campaign of requests, as devotion to the belief continued to grow. This devotion was further stimulated by the Miraculous Medal apparitions in Paris in 1830. The Sixth Provincial Council of Baltimore made the Immaculate Conception the patronal feast of the United States in 1846. Pope Pius IX, who reigned from 1846 to 1878, almost immediately after his election, undertook a series of acts in favour of the belief, and in 1854, after consultation with all the Bishops of the Church as well as several theological committees, defined the dogma of faith: "... the doctrine," he said, "which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from all stain of original sin in the first instant of her Conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in consideration of the merits of Jesus Christ, saviour of the human race, has been revealed by God and must, therefore, firmly and constantly be believed by all the faithful:' The text of the definition was published and explained in the encyclical letter of that same year, Ine abilis Deus. Source: The Catholic Encyclopedia
Great architecture does not a cathedral make We've re-opened and re-consecrated St Mary's - but what exactly makes a cathedral?
A
cathedral is the principal church of a diocese in which the Bishop has his throne and where he teaches, preaches and conducts religious services. The term comes originally from the Greek and was translated into Latin as cathedra, the word for a Bishop's throne or seat. In the early Christian era the cathedra was a symbol of authority, and the expression ex cathedra (given from the throne) signified the solemn teaching authority of the Pope as the successor of St Peter. Although a Bishop may set up a temporary throne in any church within his diocese, one particular edifice, usually in the city in which he resides, is designated for the establishment of a permanent cathedra and is called the diocesan (or archdiocesan) cathedral. Only a residential Bishop may establish a cathedral; titular Bishops (such as auxiliary Bishops) who do not govern a diocese and who never take actual Above: Canterbury Cathedral. Bottom left: Tarragona Cathedral. Bottom right: Salisbury Cathedral. possession of their sees, are not authorised to establish one. While the cathedrals produced by 1,500 years or so of Christian civilisation in Europe are among the most magnificent works in architecture in that continent, a cathedral is not necessarily the largest or most splendid religious edifice in a diocese. At Rome, St John Lateran is the Cathedral of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, rather than the more magnificent St Peter's Basilica. Many of the cathedrals throughout the world, however, represent the very best architectural developments of the periods in which they were constructed. The highly developed iconographical cycles in many cathedrals served both a decorative and spiritual function, on the one hand, and a teaching function on the other and, in an earlier era, when education was uncommon, were often referred to as 'bibles of the illiterate' because their design and works of art such as stained a cathedral does not depend on its parish church also becomes the chief teacher, sanctifier and govglass windows taught or por- form, decorations or dimensions. cathedral of that diocese. What ernor of the Church in a diocese. trayed important elements of the In fact, any parish church could properly constitutes a cathedral A cathedral can be transferred Christian faith. be a cathedral and often, when a is its assignment as the official from one location to another withThe official or juridical status of new diocese is formed, a modest residence of the Bishop who is the in a diocese but there is usually
Above Inside St John Lateran Cathedral Cathedral. Below Tewkesbury Abbey. PHOTO JUSTINE STEVENS
only one cathedral. In exceptional circumstances, such as when a new cathedral is built to take the place of an earlier one or when two dioceses are merged to form one,
each may retain its right to have a permanent throne for the Bishop in separate cathedrals, which are then referred to as co-cathedrals. - Source: The Catholic Encyclopedia
8 jog
The numbers that built St Mary's • The restored and completed Cathedral consists of three sections from three centuries: The western end from the original building opened in 1865; the eastern end opened in 1930; and the new centre which features 10 metre high glass windows behind a facade of precast concrete columns, and which includes an underground development. • The tower on the south-west corner is from 1865, repaired and restored. • The tower on the north-west corner is new and contains stairs and a lift from the underground section to the main floor and to the choir loft. It is a heritage requirement that it does not exactly match the original tower and spire. • Many of the original floorboards have been recycled and relaid in the new Cathedral. • Jarrah timber from the original pews has been converted into more ergonomic and comfortable pews by Glen Hoist, of Bridgetown. • The arrangement of the altar and pews in the new central section will accommodate more people and give all of them better sight and sound contact with the altar and the choir. • The organ and choir loft have been relocated from the southern side of the 1930 building to their original location in the 1865 narthex section. The original Dodd organ was refurbished and enhanced by a South Island Organ company in New Zealand before being reinstalled. • An older and smaller Hobday pipe organ donated to the Cathedral was refurbished and installed in the chancel. • The 1930 Hardmann stained glass windows were all retained, repaired and restored. • The side chapels and altars (1930 section) have been restored to their former glory, including the paintings that formed the backdrop to the two on the northern side. • The designer glasswork on the rear screen, the top of the curved nave windows, the backdrop to the Stations of the Cross and the Baptistery mural and font was created by Perth glass artist Peter Bowles. • The beautiful mosaic floors of the sanctuary and side chapels which had been damaged by the 1968 Meckering earthquake were repaired and restored. • The 14 Stations of the Cross which depict the suffering and death of Jesus were sculpted by Perth man Gerry Darwin. • A statue of St Joseph the Worker carved out of a single block of jarrah and a portrait of Blessed Mary MacKillop were created by local wood carver Mehdi Rasulle. • A new front door facing Murray St on the theme 'The Good Shepherd' was designed and forged in iron on a backdrop of glass by Herne Hill blacksmith Antonio Battistessa. • The entirely new underground section incorporates a crypt for the interment of past and future Archbishops and Bishops, a parish centre, a choir practice room, meeting rooms, kitchens, toilets and parking to boost the parking provided above ground. • Construction began under the management of EMCO Building in November 2006. It involved more than 600 skilled tradespeople, suppliers, contractors and professionals working more than 200,000 manhours on site. This figure does not include the long hours spent by architects, designers, engineers, manufacturers, supply companies, artists and administration staff in support of this historic undertaking. • The work required movement of 8,000 cubic metres of earth; 6,000 tonnes of concrete; 175 tonnes of structural steel; 25 kilometres of cabling; and more than 125,000 bricks, wall stones, cobblestones and paving blocks. • More than 4,600 plants and 3,000 metres of new lawn have restored and renewed the peaceful garden setting of the Cathedral. The design of the special schools memorial garden honouring the efforts of the Catholic school communities in support of the Cathedral is based on the arithmetical Fibonacci series. • The forecourt incorporates an Aboriginal mosaic lane designed by Laurel Nannup representing Christ the light of the world, and a water feature representing the river of life flowing to the world. • The full cost is $32.9 million which has been donated by individuals, families, groups, schools, parishes, businesses and the State and Federal Governments, all of whom wanted the project to go ahead to give Perth a beautiful Cathedral on the highest feature at the eastern end of the CBD.