The Archdiocese of Perth will this year celebrate a milestone of enduring faith and community as the Holy Trinity Church on Rottnest Island marks its 50th anniversary.
The Golden Jubilee celebration will take place on Sunday 15 June 2025, with a special Thanksgiving Mass at 10.00am, to be celebrated by Vicar General, the Very Rev Vincent Glynn, and concelebrated by several visiting clergy.
The occasion will also include the blessing of a Golden Memorial Plaque, followed by a social gathering and high tea at the Church grounds.
All parishioners, visitors, and admirers of the Island are warmly invited to attend.
Established in 1975 through the tireless efforts of Monsignor Sean O’Shea, the Holy Trinity Mass Centre has been a spiritual home for tourists, locals, and seasonal workers alike.
It stands today not only as a place of worship but as a symbol of vision, resilience, and dedication to Catholic life on one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks.
“Monsignor O’Shea’s enormous contribution to the Church’s presence on the Island was immense,” said Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey, speaking at the Church’s 40th anniversary.
“His legacy lives on in every wall and bell of this centre.”
Nicknamed “Mons” by those who knew him, Mgr O’Shea first set foot on Rottnest in 1961, mistakenly thinking he was travelling to Garden Island.
What began as an incidental visit grew into a lifelong mission.
For years, he celebrated Mass in makeshift venues like the old picture theatre and WWII-era huts.
It was in the early 1970s that he presented a formal proposal to then Archbishop Lancelot Goody for a purpose-built church — one that would serve the growing needs of the island’s Catholic community.
Thanks to support from the Archdiocese and local Rottnest board member Des Sullivan, the Holy Trinity Church and adjoining priest quarters were officially opened on 25 May 1975.
The distinctive complex — designed by architect C.J. Gabriels — features an open, welcoming layout with movable doors, visitors’ accommodation, sacristy and priest’s quarters all centred around the church.
Monsignor O’Shea’s unique style of ministry was as much about hospitality as it was about liturgy.
He became well known for offering tea, pikelets and homemade fig jam to guests. Even in his final years, after suffering strokes, he remained committed to the island community until his retirement in 2012.
He passed away later that year and is now buried just metres from the church he built.
The church’s now-iconic carillon of bells was installed for the 10th anniversary of the Church in 1985 — thanks again to Monsignor O’Shea’s initiative.
Using connections in the US Navy’s Pacific fleet, the bells were flown to the island and hoisted into place by helicopter in a dramatic display of faith meeting ingenuity.
As Rottnest continues to welcome thousands of tourists each year, the Holy Trinity Church remains a place of calm, reflection and sacred beauty.
Current Chaplain Fr Joseph Rathnaraj invites everyone to take part in this year’s celebration.
“This is a moment to give thanks for the blessings of the past 50 years, and to pray that the Church may continue to serve all who live in or visit this beautiful Island,” Fr Joseph said.