Our Cathedral Issue 22

The Newsletter of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth, Western Australia Issue 22 - June 2021

Print Post Approved 100019724

“Let your light shine before others.”

(Matthew 15.6)

Celebrating Easter at St Mary’s Cathedral

CONTENTS A Warm Welcome

Pg 3

An Historic Occasion: Introducing ‘YOUR’ St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council

Pg 4

Knights Catholic Leadership Academy Graduation Mass and Ceremony

Pg 5

Educating the young is an incredible privilege and responsibility

Pg 6

WA Knights of the Holy Sepulchre Investiture For New Members

Pg 8

BJ Hickey Biblical Foundation Scholarship Awards

Pg 9

Rite of Election 2021

Pg 10

WASO Chorus Wows at Cathedral

Pg 11

Honouring Mercy College 175 Years of Service to Catholic Education

Pg 12

Perth Archdiocese Celebrates International Women’s Day

Pg 14

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day

Pg 15

Holy Week at St Mary’s Cathedral

Pg 16

WA Bishops Gather in Perth Offering Prayers for India and Mothers' Day Mass

Pg 20

A Warm Welcome Back for WAAPA

Pg 21

T H E C AT H E D R A L D I A R Y

Forthcoming activities and events at St Mary’s Cathedral.

20 June 2:30pm Community Singing I 4 July 3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration 10 July 3:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass 22 July 9:45am Mass for the 32nd Annual Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools & Colleges 1 Aug

3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration

1 Aug

5:00pm RSCM Annual Choral Festival

8 Aug 11:00am Mass (with Ribbon Awards Ceremony Cathedral choristers) 12 Aug 7:30pm Diaconate Ordination (Redemptoris Mater seminary) 14 Aug 3:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass 22 Aug 11:00am Confirmation Mass 5 Sept 3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration 8 Sept 6:00pm (TBC) Celebration of Beatification of Francis Jordan (Salvatorians) 11 Sept 3:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass 12 Sept 2:30pm Community Singing II 19 Sept 1:30pm

Ave Maria Recital 2021

3 Oct

3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration

9 Oct

3:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass

9-10 Oct –

Catholic Mission Appeal Weekend

23 Oct 6:00pm Cultural and Diversity Mass 1 Nov

–

All Saints’ Day

2 Nov –

All Souls’ Day

2 Nov

–

Archbishop’s Liturgical Launch Christmas Appeal for LifeLink 2021

7 Nov

3:00pm Divine Mercy Adoration

13 Nov 3:00pm Monthly Filipino Mass

2 ◆ Our Cathedral

A Warm Welcome FROM THE DEAN Very Rev Sean Fernandez Dean and Administrator St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth

For God, you are that little coin that the Lord seeks without pause.

He wants to tell you that you are precious and unique in His eyes.

No one can take your place in the heart of God. (Francis) The homely and warm image of the 'little coin' being sought is from one of Jesus' parables: "what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” (Lk. 15.8-9) We are each of us precious in the sight of God. I sometimes wonder as I gaze at crowds of people in the city what they make of life; whether they know of God's love for them; what burdens they carry? I do not know, but the amazing truth is that God knows. God, whose knowing encompasses all that is, all that has been and will be in one act of loving and knowing, is closer to each of those people than they are to themselves. He is closer to them and us than our very heartbeat, our every breath. Nothing is too big or too small for God. Take a breath, he is present. Be still and feel the beat of your heart, he is present. Look at the stars - thousands of millions of them spread across the vastness of space. He holds all of this too. In her famous Revelations of Divine Love Julian of Norwich wrote of a vision she had.

Statue of Julian of Norwich by David Holgate, Norwich Cathedral

And in this vision [Christ] showed me a little thing, the size of a hazelnut, lying in the palm of my hand, and to my mind’s eye it was as round as any ball. I looked at it and thought, ‘What can this be?’ And the answer came to me, ‘It is all that is made.’ I wondered how it could last, for it was so small I thought it might suddenly disappear. And the answer in my mind was, ‘It lasts and will last for ever because God loves it; and in the same way everything exists through the love of God.’ In this little thing I saw three attributes: the first is that God made it, the second is that he loves it, the third is that God cares for it.

God is in relationship with you who are made in the image of his Son and in whom his Spirit dwells. Knowing this and truly believing it with mind and heart is part of the journey of faith. I sometimes hear people speak of fearing God's 'just punishments'. It is what they have been taught, what they have taken into their heart and flesh. Why did we reduce the Good News to this? Fear can be the start of a journey, but fear does not define our Christian journey. Fear, as Pope Francis says in one of his homilies, leads to 'mummification of the soul': Following rules is not enough; fidelity to Jesus is not just about not making mistakes, this is quite wrong. That is what the lazy servant in the parable thought: for lack of initiative and creativity, he yielded to needless fear and buried the talent he had received. The master actually calls him “wicked” (Matt. 25.26). And yet he did nothing wrong! But he did nothing good either. He preferred to sin by omission rather than to risk making a mistake.

Knowing God's deep and enduring love for us, the same love which moves the Sun and other stars (Dante), is freeing. And that is what God's love in his Son, Jesus, does for us, it sets us free. If you do not know God’s tender love for you then pray to know it in your heart and flesh; knock and even demand the gift from God. This desire to know his love is a desire he arouses; it is a holy desire. Jesus will respond to it for He is faithful, and He has come that we may have life and have it abundantly. (Jn 10.10)

Pope Francis

Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 3

Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral with Chanda Chisela, Ann Brown, Jessica Patterson, Joan Lim, Assistant Priest, Rev Fr CJ Millen, Jet Bautista and Tony Meyrick (Absent: Michael Carren and Damien Bowen)

An Historic Occasion

Introducing ‘YOUR’ St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council ‘A synodal Church is a Church which listens, which realises that listening “is more than simply hearing.” It is a mutual listening in which everyone has something to learn.’ (Pope Francis) “The Holy Father has set the Church on a synodal or perhaps returned a synodal path to its proper place in the life of the Church. This journeying together has to mark every level of Church life including the parish” said Cathedral Dean, Rev Dr Sean Fernandez “It has been a while since the Cathedral had a Parish Council and I thought it an opportune time to gather a group of parishioners – representing our diverse community and including representation from St Francis Xavier’s and St Catherine’s.

I am grateful to the parishioners who responded so generously to my invitation. We are working out how to be a parish council in the Cathedral.

I also believe that a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive parish community is essential if the Cathedral is to perform her role in the life of the wider community and Church.

Jessica Patterson was elected Chair of the Council and brings a rich experience on various Boards and in different professional capacities to the role. Jet Bautista, our Cathedral Sacristan, is a leading member of the Filipino community.

Possessing an extraordinary background in the corporate world, Jet has been elected as Secretary of the Council. So, watch this space!” added Fr Sean.

We are delighted to introduce YOUR St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Council Members: Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Dean, St Mary’s Cathedral, Rev Fr CJ Millen, Assistant Priest, Jet Bautista, Anna Brown, Michael Carren, Chanda Chisela, Joan Lim, Tony Meyrick, Damien Bowen and Jessica Patterson (Chair).

With guidance and encouragement from the Dean and valuable assistance provided by Cathedral Assistant Priest, Rev Fr CJ Millen, the Council of passionate and diverse parishioners seeks to develop and promote a sense of community within the St Mary’s Cathedral parish.

The Council is proud to report that it has already convened four meetings which resulted in a number of key outcomes.

The Council is planning a parish survey, developing a variety of liturgical and social activities, and developing a strategy for achieving a range of goals designed to recognise and build on the wonderful eclectic community of people who are part of the “St Mary’s Parish”.

Council Members will be Officially Commissioned at a Mass to be held over the coming weeks.

4 ◆ Our Cathedral

Embracing technology in this modern world of today, Parish Council Members FaceTime with a Member who was unable to attend in person for this historic first meeting.

Fr Wilson Donizzetti Martins bestows a Blessing upon the Graduates.

18 JANUARY 2021

Knights Catholic Leadership Academy GRADUATION MASS AND CEREMONY The Knights Catholic Leadership Academy (KCLA) held its annual Graduation Mass and Ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral, which was celebrated by Father Wilson Donizzetti Martins Jnr, Parish Priest, Osborne Park, and concelebrated by Knights of the Southern Cross Western Australia (KSCWA) Chaplain, Fr Patrick Toohey.

KCLA is a project of the Knights of the Southern Cross WA’s Branch 28, which aims to strengthen and build the faith formation and spiritual connections among young people. It also provides leaders with personal formation with which to witness to and evangelise their peers in a theologically sound and sustainable manner.

Adrian Maxwell, Branch 28 Chairman said “This program was one of the first projects we came up with when we first formed nearly nine years ago. These students, who keep coming year after year, still need leaders, it doesn’t matter what’s happening in the world. More challenges means more opportunities for leadership and mentoring.”

The 2020 Knights Catholic Leadership Academy graduates pictured with (seated) KSCWA State Chairman Nigel Hayward, Acts2CoME Principal Jane Borg, 24:7 Youth Ministry Director Mario Borg, and KCLA Program Leader, Tristan Kolay.

The Graduates for 2020 were: Pia Bella Davey-Smithin, Christine Celestino, Virginia Dzieciol, Michaela Firth, Joshua Gethin, Lucy Harris, Madeline Osman and Madison Wilde.

Ms Dzieciol, who spoke at the graduation held in the Cathedral Parish Centre following the Mass said “Faith-based leadership is crucial to strengthening the Church needing leaders who do not need words to touch hearts, leaders who lead by their faith for God. The world has seen many great, influential leaders such as Saint Paul, Saint Augustine, Saint Athanasius and Saint Joan of Arc. Now, more than ever, we need devout Catholic leaders to carry on the bible mission.

The Knights leadership program offered us the tools we need to deepen our understanding and love for the faith. A big thank you to the Knights for their heroic effort to raise leaders in the Catholic Church,” she said.

To learn more about the Knights Catholic Leadership Academy for Year 10 to 12 students, please visit: www.knightsyouth.com

Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 5

28 JANUARY 2021

Educating the young is an incredible privilege and responsibility Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB warmly welcomed principals, teachers and staff members to the Annual Commissioning Mass for Catholic Schools.

Celebrated by His Grace, this Mass was concelebrated by Vicar General Father Peter Whitely VG, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, Father Vincent Glynn, St Mary’s Cathedral Dean Very Rev Sean Fernandez, Deacon Aaron Peters and Deacon Mark Powell.

More than 600 Catholic school staff and special guests attended including Hon Sue Ellery MLC, Minister for Education and Training, Mr Colin Pettit, Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, The University of Notre Dame Australia Vice-Chancellor Prof Francis Campbell and Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of Campus P ­ rof Selma Alliex, CEWA Executive Director Dr Debra Sayce, Catholic School Parents WA Inc Executive Director Ms Siobhan Allen and Executives from Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) and CEWA.

Dr Debra Sayce, Executive Director, Catholic Education Western Australia welcomed the congregation

6 ◆ Our Cathedral

Before the start of the Mass, Dr Sayce acknowledged the vital role of educators – who dedicate themselves to serve the children and young people in the crisis of our present time. This was followed by the commissioning of CEWA staff members by Archbishop Costelloe. “The work you will do in your school community is important, and it is my hope that your commissioning today will serve as a reminder each day of the value we place on your service to the children and young people you will support, as well as your broader community,” she said.

Dr Sayce also remarked upon the importance of this academic year, as those who work in Western Australian Catholic education sector commemorate the 50th anniversary of CECWA. “While I have no doubt that 2021 will present new and unknown challenges for all of us, these milestones in our history are important. They remind us that communities can return stronger from adversity when each one of us is prepared to share our gifts, our expertise and our skills in service to one another. Like St Joseph – a father in the shadows – our work matters today and it will matter well into the future. I hope you will be inspired each day by the person of St Joseph and his witness of service, love and compassion,” said Dr Sayce.

In reflecting on the vocation of teaching, Archbishop Costelloe said that teachers in Catholic schools are a reflection of and witness to Christ. “For it is Christ who seeks, through teachers, to form and shape and lead young people into the fullness of life. We should call no one on earth a teacher, says Jesus, nor allow others to call us teachers, because we have only one teacher and that teacher is Christ, who Himself tells us that He is the Way, and the Truth and the Life,” he said.

Archbishop Costelloe told CEWA educators that their responsibility is not only to the students’ parents but also to God. “We know that our first collaboration is with the children’s parents in the students’ formation and journey of maturation to prepare themselves for their lives at school and, much more importantly, the one which awaits them beyond their school years.

What an incredible privilege this is, and what an enormous responsibility it is. We know that the parents entrust their children to us and so we act, or should act, accordingly. But perhaps we don’t reflect enough upon the truth that it is also God who entrusts his children to us and that therefore we should act accordingly knowing that these children belong to God,” said Archbishop Costelloe.

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29 & 30 JANUARY 2021

WA Knights of the Holy Sepulchre INVESTITURE FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has approximately 30,000 members worldwide.

The Order is the sole benefactor for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to aid young people, persons with disabilities, orphanages, the poor and marginalised, education and the pursuit of justice and peace.

The Order’s Western Australian Lieutenancy held its 2020 Investiture Services for new members (which had to be postponed due to pandemic restrictions last year) and the promotion of current members. New members and promotions were approved by His Eminence, Fernando Cardinal Filoni, Grand Master of the Order on 24 September 2020 at the Vatican.

Archbishop Costelloe spoke of the importance of ‘faith, hope and trust in a God who never leaves us’ at the special Mass to celebrate the Investiture of New Members to the Order’s Western Australian Lieutenancy.

A Vigil service was held on the Friday, a solemn occasion to contemplate on readings from the Old and New Testaments connecting the Order's tie with Jerusalem and with the Holy Sepulchre. The messages serve as the foundation for the four new candidates who publicly took their oath of promise to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land.

In addition, nine current members were awarded promotions for their ongoing service and commitment to the Order, and a pilgrim shell, granted by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, was given to members who fulfilled a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

A special Mass held on the Saturday celebrated by Archbishop Costelloe SDB, who sits as Grand Prior of the Order, and concelebrated by Father Richard Smith KCHS, Fr Nicholas Nweke KHS, Fr Mariusz Grzech KHS and Fr Mark Rucci.

At the start of Mass, Archbishop Costelloe formally invested four new members who were then robed with their cloaks and insignia – Dames Maureen De Wind and Maria Davies, Knights Nathan Peter Barnie and Allan Francis Dwyer.

The Order’s WA Lieutenant, Kevin Susai, explained that “the Cross which is emblazoned on the cloak is a symbol of the Order and testimony of our submission to the Cross of Christ bringing to our minds the wounds of Our Lord and the suffering in the Holy Land with His own blood.”

Archbishop Costelloe commended the newly installed Knights and Dames for their act of courage, and of trusting faith in joining existing members on their journey of common faith.

“This faith journey would have been, as it has for all of us, a journey with its ups and downs, a journey with its moments of clarity and its moments of uncertainty, a journey, perhaps, that has been marked at times by less than perfect fidelity. But that they are here, and that we are all here, is a testimony to one of the most fundamental truths of our faith, found in the Second Letter to Timothy: We may be unfaithful, but God is always faithful for God cannot disown His own self (2 Tim 2:3).

May the witness of those who today commit themselves anew to God through this act of dedication renew in all of us our awareness of God’s love and God’s fidelity and strengthen us as we continue to strive to be faithful to Him,” said the Archbishop.

8 ◆ Our Cathedral

We congratulate the 2021 BJ Hickey Biblical Scholarship recipients: Adeline Bock, Michaela Firth, Judy Castellino, Isaiah Boylen, Elijah Reed, Indigo Hurleigh-Craig, Stefan Fernando, Trinity Reed, Monica Hunter and John Ratajczak.

25 FEBRUARY 2021

BJ Hickey Biblical Foundation Scholarship Awards Ten biblical enthusiasts were selected and presented with this year’s BJ Hickey Biblical Foundation Scholarship Awards at a special ceremony held in the St Mary’s Cathedral parish centre.

The B.J. Hickey Biblical Foundation offers lay people residing in the Archdiocese of Perth opportunities for biblical studies of any length at any level, locally or overseas (such as Jerusalem or Rome) and are available to those with a desire to develop their knowledge and use of the Scriptures to form a firm biblical foundation for their everyday lives.

Organised by the Archdiocesan Centre for Faith Enrichment (CFE), the event theme ‘Scripturae Sacrae Affectus’ (translated as Devotion to Sacred Scripture inspired by Pope Francis’ apostolic letter commemorating the sixteen hundredth anniversary of the death of Saint Jerome – served as a great reminder to scholars of their mission, as they embark on a journey to deepen their scriptural knowledge.

Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, founder of the BJ Hickey Scholarships, congratulated each scholar and offered them words of encouragement.

Founder of the scholarship, Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, was present at the event to personally congratulate recipients. Other attendees included Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation Father Vincent Glynn, Biblical Foundation Committee represented by Director of the Centre for Life, Marriage and Family, Derek Boylen and Michele Purcell, a longstanding contributor to Catholic Education in Western Australia, CFE Director Dr Marco Ceccarelli and CFE Office Manager Tracy Stevens.

In his speech, Dr Ceccarelli recounted St Jerome’s life who “made his heart a library of Christ.”

Echoing Pope Francis’ call to “love what St Jerome loved,” Dr Ciccarelli explained that the Saint served as a fine example as someone devoted to Scripture as he always viewed his library as an indispensable workshop for understanding the faith and the spiritual life.

Elijah Reed receives his BJ Hickey Biblical Foundation Scholarship from Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation.

“I often think of the experience a young person can have today entering a bookshop in his or her city or visiting an Internet site to look for the section on religious books. In most cases, when it exists, this section is not only marginal but poorly stocked with works of substance. Looking at those bookshelves or webpages, it is difficult for a young person to understand how the quest for religious truth can be a passionate adventure that unites heart and mind, how the thirst for God has inflamed great minds throughout the centuries up to the present time; how growth in the spiritual life has influenced theologians and philosophers, artists and poets, historians and scientists.

One of the problems we face today, not only in religion, is illiteracy: the hermeneutic skills that make us credible interpreters and translators of our own cultural tradition are in short supply. I would like to pose a challenge to young people in particular – begin exploring your heritage. Christianity makes you heirs of an unsurpassed cultural patrimony of which you must take ownership.

Be passionate about this history which is yours. Dare to fix your gaze on the young Jerome who, like the merchant in Jesus’ parable, sold all that he had to buy the “pearl of great price” (Mt 13:46),” said Dr Ceccarelli.

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25 FEBRUARY 2021

Rite of Election 2021

CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES ‘CHOSEN’ BY GOD The liturgy for the 2021 Rite of Election of Catechumens and Formal Recognition of Candidates was held at St Mary’s Cathedral in February.

The work of the Holy Spirit was evident as 43 catechumens and 35 candidates (who had taken part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process in their local parish or region) were presented to the Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB who formally welcomed them in the name of the Church.

Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Vicar General Father Peter Whitely, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, Father Vincent Glynn and Cathedral Dean Very Rev Sean Fernandez joined Archbishop Costelloe to assist with the liturgy, and to greet the catechumens and candidates on behalf of the Church in the Archdiocese of Perth.

The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Formal Recognition of Candidates marks an essential step in their conversion journey and formation within the RCIA, as their names were presented and formally inscribed in the Book of Elect and the Book of Recognition. In this liturgy, the catechumens and candidates are “elected” or “chosen” by God to progress towards receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB warmly welcomes the 2021 catechumens and candidates

At the Rite of Election, the Archbishop articulated God’s hospitality and invitation to those He has called to prepare for reception into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation. He reminded the catechumens and candidates that the Holy Spirit has chosen them and led them to faith in Jesus Christ at this moment and promises to be with them not just at Easter, but throughout their whole life.

Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, Rev Fr Vincent Glynn said, “The Rite of election demonstrates in a practical way that Christian faith is not just something personal but is also communal. We are being a part of the Church, part of the Church expressed within the Archdiocese of Perth. It is important that these candidates and catechumens find support in their faith journey within their parish communities,” he said.

Names of Catechumens and Candidates on Scrolls to be inscribed in the Book of Elect and Book of Recognition

Dr Carmel Suart, Director, Office of Christian Initiation, expressed her sincere gratitude to all those involved in preparing the ceremony. She expressed her personal appreciation especially to the sponsors of the Elect and the Candidates “for walking with them on their conversion journey.”

“May all of us here today, and in our parish communities, welcome and support the conversion journey of the catechumens and candidates who seek to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

Let us continue to pray that our parish communities will be strengthened and transformed as we live out our baptismal calling of mission and evangelisation,” said Dr Suart.

Catechumens and candidates participating in the liturgy

10 ◆ Our Cathedral

Dr Carmel Suart speaking at the 2021 Rite of Election of Catechumens and Formal Recognition of Candidate

21 MARCH 2020

WASO Chorus Wows at Cathedral After a challenging year for the whole community, the Cathedral warmly welcomed back the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) Chorus for this annual special event.

Around 600 patrons attended this concert which was the maximum capacity permissible under COVID restrictions at that time. So we will claim a full house!

Some of the highlights of this eclectic programme included rarely heard pieces: ‘Ave Maria’ of Franz Biebl, a 20th century German composer, and another 20th century piece - the hauntingly beautiful ‘Litanies a la Vierge Noire’ of Francis Poulenc, written in honour of Our Lady of Rocamadour - a centuries-old French Marian shrine.

Jacinta Jakovcevic, Director of Music for St Mary’s Cathedral said, “One of the special aspects of this concert for me personally was that this piece has an organ accompaniment which the WASO Chorus asked me to play for them.

A number of years ago as a young student, I was a regular pianist for the WASO Chorus rehearsing with them each week and helping them prepare for concerts, and sometimes playing in them. So it was a real delight to work with them once again and renew that wonderful connection,” she said.

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More than 100 students participated in the Mass to mark the 175th anniversary celebrations since Mercedes College was Founded.

9 MARCH 2021

Honouring Mercy College 175 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Students, Staff, Mercy Sisters, Catholic Education Western Australia representatives and guests of Mercedes College gathered to celebrate 175 years of Catholic Education in the Mercy tradition.

Mercedes College Principal, Kerrie Fraser, lights the Candle of Mercy at the College’s 175th Anniversary celebrations

A special Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Costelloe SDB in honour of the College’s milestone. Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation Father Vincent Glynn, Cathedral Dean Very Rev Sean Fernandez and Monsignor Michael Keating concelebrated.

The flame of Mercy education was lit by Mother Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland and carried to Western Australian shores by Mother Ursula Frayne and the founding Sisters on 2 February 1846 in a rented cottage on St George’s Terrace, diagonally opposite Government House.

Mercedes College has the proud distinction of being the first school in Australia founded by a Religious Congregation and WA’s first permanent school, and the present site of the college is of unique historical importance.

Before the start of the Mass, students re-enacted the story of the College’s humble beginnings. The college also took the opportunity to perform several ceremonies and blessings. This included the commitment of the new student body, the blessing of students and staff, the blessing of the Candle of Mercy and anniversary badges that were later distributed to all students, and the commissioning of ten candidates as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

During his homily, Archbishop Costelloe offered seven values that the Mercedes College community could use are a shining light to guide them into the future.

12 ◆ Our Cathedral

Some of the Mercy Sisters of today joined together to celebrate and remember the Sisters of the Order who founded Mercedes College.

“Compassion, justice, excellence, integrity and service: these are the values which your college proudly proclaims to be at the heart of everything you try to do and be together as a Catholic school in the Mercy tradition – but there are two other qualities I’d like to add and that is courage and fidelity.

It is only by developing these qualities that you will be able to be the compassionate and merciful young women that you want to be, young women who excel in the things that really matter and whose lives are marked by integrity and service.

It was to be the Sisters’ faith in Jesus Christ, and their commitment to Him within the Church, which was to sustain them in their challenges and difficulties – It can be the same for us,” said Archbishop Costelloe.

Mercedes College Principal, Kerrie Fraser, said the Mercy story is one of great significance across Australia and around the world. “The college has impacted on many West Australian lives including the likes of Bishops, politicians, actresses and even Lionel Logue, the famous speech tutor to George VI (King of the United Kingdom, 1936-1952) who once taught at the College.

From our humble beginnings with ‘one student’, Mercy Education has spread throughout Western Australia and the whole nation, positively influencing the lives of hundreds of thousands of people over many generations.”

Archbishop Costelloe commissions ten student candidates as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

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8 MARCH 2021

Perth Archdiocese Celebrates

International Women’s Day

The Archdiocese of Perth marked 2021 International Women’s Day this year at a Mass in the Cathedral paying tribute, acknowledging, and praying for all women who shape our communities of faith.

The Mass attended by approximately 50 Archdiocesan staff was celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral by the Dean, Very Rev Sean Fernandez. In his homily, Fr Sean, reflecting on the Readings of the day, spoke of the humility to which Jesus calls his disciples. He quoted Pope Francis who said that often humiliation is a step to humility.

“Humiliation is not nice. But humiliation is also a way of grace in which we learn humility. Humility before God, whose ways are not our ways, and a God who teaches us to turn to Him, a God of mercy, life and of love. This is a call to each of us to realise that we are not God and that truly is good!” said the Dean.

Fr Fernandez wished all women a happy International Women’s Day, thanking them for their contributions to the community, and to the faith. A morning tea was served in the parish centre afterwards for all guests.

The Archbishop’s Executive Assistant, Jennifer Lazberger, representing the group of women who initiated the event, spoke about the importance of celebrating women of the Church.

“I honestly feel that this is a great opportunity to stop, reflect and to really acknowledge the work of all women in aspects within the Church. This includes women in management, administration, Religious Sisters, and the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes – we honour all of them and all of you here today,” said Ms Lazberger.

Each woman received a flower, presented by the men who were in attendance at the International Women’s Day Mass and morning tea event

14 ◆ Our Cathedral

17 MARCH 2021

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day Unable to return to their homeland to pay their respects for their departed loved ones in Ireland, the St Patrick’s Day Mass this year was an opportunity for Perth’s Irish Catholics to pray for those they have lost this past year.

Monsignor Tim Corcoran celebrated the Mass, which was concelebrated by his brother, Father Jim Corcoran. About 200 green-clad worshippers attended the event organised

by Irish Families in Perth coordinator Eimear Beattie in conjunction with the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth.

Consulate of Ireland WA representatives Marty Kavanagh and Richard Matias were present for the Mass as the special guests of honour.

In his homily for the occasion, Monsignor Corcoran noted how Ireland’s foremost Patron Saint was – and remains – highly cherished by Irish folk worldwide.

“This is the day when we as people thank God for St Patrick and for his coming among us to preach the Gospel. While St Patrick may not have been the first – and was certainly not the last – to announce the Christian message to the Irish, it is also true that we are indebted to him beyond measure for his role in that great enterprise.

St Patrick’s mission to Éire was an extension of the mission Jesus Christ gave to his Apostles.

Right from the earliest of times, the Irish have always sought to spread the Gospel they received. Thousands of Missionaries have gone out from this small country to all parts of the world.

Irish Families in Perth spokesperson, Fred Rea, emigrated to Perth almost 50 years ago and has been an advocate for Irish immigrants of WA. He said, “Because of COVID, a lot of local Irish people have lost family in Ireland and haven’t been able to go back to pay their respects. The St Patrick’s Day Mass is also a chance to honour the thousands of Irish ladies who migrated to Perth in the 1850s from Irish workhouses following ‘An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger) and subsequently kickstarted the Irish presence in WA.”

Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 15

28 MARCH 2021

Palm Sunday

30 MARCH 2021

Chrism Mass

1 APRIL 2021

Mass of the Last Supper

16 ◆ Our Cathedral

Holy Week AT

ST MARY'S CATHEDR AL St Mary’s Cathedral and Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Perth welcomed thousands of worshippers to celebrations during Holy Week.

Beginning with Palm Sunday, Archbishop Costelloe encouraged us to “Let us, then, walk with Him each day of this Holy Week, painful and challenging though this journey will be. In the end, it is the only way to the fullness of life that Jesus has won for us through His fidelity, His courage, and His obedience to God’s will. Walk with Him through this week of suffering so that you can rise with Him to the fullness of life and joy.”

At the Chrism Mass, cancelled last year due to COVID19 restrictions, more than 170 Archdiocesan priests joined Archbishop Timothy and Bishop Don for the Blessing of the three Holy Oils - Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick and Oil of the Chrism. The Holy Oils are used in Parishes for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Anointing of the Sick.

Archbishop Costelloe said, “As we bless and consecrate the [Chrism] oils, we are invited to remember that the simple, though eloquent, signs and symbols used in the sacraments – water, oil, wine, bread, gestures, and words – all point beyond themselves to a deeper and very startling truth: God is at work here, drawing close to us and drawing us into a relationship of intimacy with Him.” Then followed the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday, Stations of the Cross and the Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Friday, the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday and finally Easter Sunday Mass, where Archbishop Costelloe proclaimed:

“Jesus is risen, He is alive, and He passionately desires to draw us into communion with Him, so that we too can experience, the joy and the reality of His resurrection.”

Please enjoy these wonderful images from this year’s Holy Week celebrations.

Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 17

2 APRIL 2021

Seven Last Words

3 APRIL 2021

Easter Vigil

18 ◆ Our Cathedral

2 APRIL 2021

Stations of the Cross

2 APRIL 2021

The Passion

4 APRIL 2021

Easter Sunday Mass

Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 19

Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey delivers his Homily

9 M AY 2 0 2 1

WA Bishops Gather in Perth

OFFERING PRAYERS FOR INDIA AND MOTHERS’ DAY MASS The Bishops of Western Australia gathered in Perth for the annual Australian Catholic Bishops’ Plenary Assembly which was conducted via teleconference due to travel restrictions. This year, each State’s consortium of bishops and apostolic administrators virtually joined the national symposium from each State’s respective major city.

This afforded the opportunity for a rather unique event, with all WA Bishops present in Perth to celebrate Sunday Mass together.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB was the principal celebrant, joined by concelebrants Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Bunbury Bishop Gerard Holohan, Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey, Broome Apostolic Administrator Monsignor Paul Boyers, Perth Vicar General Father Peter Whitely VG, Cathedral Dean Very Rev Sean Fernandez, Fr Greg Donovan, and Lynwood/Langford Parish Priest Fr Terry Raj, and assisted by Permanent Deacon Bruce Talbot.

Bishop Morrissey delivered the Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter based on the Gospel of John 15:9-17. “Last Sunday, we had Jesus saying that He was ‘the true Vine’, the Father was the vine dresser and that we are the branches called to produce good fruit. Part of that process is the pruning of the branches. As I think and remember that reading, it speaks about the importance of relationships and connections in our lives. We are all part of the vine. The foundation of that relationship for people of faith is their relationship with Jesus Christ and through Jesus to God the Father.

St Mary’s Cathedral parishioners leave Church with a parting treat 20 ◆ Our Cathedral

Prayers for India and Mothers’ Day were acknowledged during Sunday High Mass

This Sunday, Jesus tells us at what level and depth that relationship should be with Him and each other. We are not servants to Jesus, we are friends. The true friend is always present. This model of friendship is revealed through the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Himself.

True and authentic relationships are not found in centring on our own needs which can lead to darkness and despair.

It is always found in the other in our life and leads us into the light,” he said.

Noting that this Mass was being celebrated on Mothers’ Day, Bishop Morrissey expressed the “wonderful example we have in our mothers of true and effective relationships, especially between the mother and the child.

As Jesus formed His disciples, He also knows He must leave them, and therefore these particular passages in John’s Gospel are called ‘the farewell discourses’. Unless He leaves, they will not grow and take on for themselves what He has taught them. However, the connection remains for people of faith through the gift of Holy Spirit.

Peter sees this happening with the Roman Centurion Cornelius when he visits them. They have already come to know who Jesus is and want to know more.

Like the Spirit, mothers always remain with us no matter where we go or where we live. Many of your mothers live overseas. Today, we especially keep in prayer, thought and action the people of India where many of your mothers live.

Australia is connected to India by the Indian Ocean. Our prayer this morning is to open our hearts to India, to you present at this Mass who have families and friends in India which would cause deep distress for you at this time of uncertainty and doubt. Our common faith and relationships call us to reach out and to do something.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop said: ‘never see a need without doing something about it’. Jesus Christ, who is the true vine connecting us all in faith, calls us to do just that … reach out in action to the one in need,” Bishop Morrissey concluded.

Bishops of Western Australia joined by Archdiocesan priests to celebrate Mass Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 21

25 MARCH 2021

A WARM WELCOME BACK FOR WAAPA It was tremendous to welcome back students from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) especially after their concert last year was cancelled with only a few days’ notice as the global pandemic shutdown began.

More than 400 patrons enjoyed a programme of music which included both ‘old and new’. Amongst the works of timehonoured composers, Bach and Buxtehude, guests were treated to a performance of a work written in 2016 by a young American composer, Caroline Shaw.

Tilted ‘To the hands’, it is closely connected to another piece performed on the night ‘Membra Jesu nostri’, which speaks of the suffering Christ with particular focus on the wounds of his hands: it connects this meditation to the plight of refugees in our world today and their suffering.

Jacinta Jakovcevic, Director of Music, said “The WAAPA students excelled themselves and patrons attending the concert enjoyed the evening immensely. It is so pleasing that our Cathedral is afforded the opportunity of supporting the Arts and providing a platform for these young performers to showcase their extraordinary talents.”

22 ◆ Our Cathedral

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Address: Griver House, 249 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000 | Telephone: (08) 6104 3638 | Email: admin@stmarysappeal.com.au National Trust of Australia (WA) | ABN: 83 697 381 616

Issue 22 - June 2021 ◆ 23

Welcome to St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth Weekday Mass Times Monday to Friday

8.00am 12.10pm

Weekend Masses Saturday

8.00am 6.00pm (Vigil) 8.00am 9.30am 11.00am 5.00pm (Youth Mass)

Sunday

Reconciliation Monday to Friday Saturday

11.00am to 12.00pm 5.00pm to 6.00pm

Cathedral Office 25 Victoria Avenue, Perth WA 6000 Telephone: (08) 9223 1350 Email: cathedral@perthcatholic.org.au

MASS CENTRES St Catherine Laboure Bedford Avenue, Subiaco Sunday

8.30am

St Francis Xavier Windsor Street, Perth Sunday

9.30am

All Saints Chapel Allendale Square, Perth Monday to Friday

12.10pm

Cathedral Appeal Office Griver House, 249 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Telephone: (08) 6104 3638 Facsimile: (08) 6162 0345 Email: admin@stmarysappeal.com.au

Parish Website: www.stmaryscathedralperth.com.au Appeal Website: www.stmarysappeal.com.au | Archdiocesan Website: www.perthcatholic.org.au