Twenty-five years since parishioners attending Mass in an old farmhouse had to bring their own chairs, the parish of Canning Vale has grown into a vibrant multicultural community representing more than 50 different countries.
On the event of its silver jubilee, hundreds of community members came together on Sunday 15 March to celebrate the founding of their parish that has the unique claim to fame as the first parish in the world to adopt St Emilie de Vialar, the French foundress of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, as their Patron Saint.
With the church packed to capacity, the anniversary Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, together with Parish Priest Fr Jean-Noël Marie and former Parish Priests, Fr Robert Carrillo and Fr Chien Nguyen.
Invited guests included Sr Lilian Bong SJA, Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition in Perth; Sr Renee Quadros SJA, Mother General, who travelled from Rome to attend the celebration; Sr Anita Callaghan SJA; Sr Rachel Rahault SJA; Principal of St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School, Chris Burns; former Principals, Sally O’Dea and Tania Thuijs; former Assistant Priest, Fr Anibal Leite Da Cunha; Parish Priest of Gosnells, Fr. Brennan Sia; Mayor of the City of Gosnells, Terresa Lynes; and Member for Southern River, Terry Healy MLA.
Offering his congratulations, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said the milestone represented a remarkable journey of faith, growth and community that had touched the lives of many.
“From humble beginnings, this parish has flourished into a vibrant, multi-cultural, and active faith community that embodies the very spirit of Christ’s love that defines our Church,” he said.
“The theme, 25 years of Faith – Our Journey Together, beautifully encapsulates the steadfast commitment, resilience, and unity of this parish. Through the joys and challenges, you have walked side by side, drawing strength from the Gospel and from each other. Your shared faith has not only enriched your own lives but has also been a beacon of hope and welcome to families from all walks of life in our region.
“As we look back with thanksgiving, we also look forward with hope. May St Emilie de Vialar, your patron, continue to intercede for us all, and may the Lord bless you abundantly in the years to come.”
In his welcome address, Fr Jean-Noël paid tribute to “25 years of grace” and said he looked forward with confidence and trust to “a joyful future.”
“It’s been 25 years of grace and miracles and wonderful things that God has done in our lives within this beautiful community, and we are so blessed to have each other,” he said.
“I feel so privileged and so blessed to be a part of this most blessed history, and I pray and hope that we will continue to grow in grace as we persevere on our journey as pilgrims of hope.”
Echoing this sentiment in his homily, Bishop Sproxton said the community had walked together in the service of others, not just within their own Catholic community, but also the broader community.
“So it is a very joyous occasion that brings us together to celebrate what the Lord has been able to do within each and every one of us; creating in us that servant, that disciple, who would be able to reach out to others and, in reaching out to others, would also be reaching out to Jesus Himself in the needs that others have,” he said.
“This is the contribution that you have made as a Catholic community over these 25 years, and I pray that you will continue to do so and be true witnesses of that faith in your life each day.”
Following the Mass, the celebration continued in earnest in the grounds of St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School where a fabulous, shared lunch had been prepared. Combined with an anniversary cake, refreshments, sausage sizzle, games and live music, it was the perfect culmination to what was a wonderful celebration of faith and community.
From farmhouse to flourishing parish
The foundations of the St Emilie de Vialar community dates back to December 2000 and the appointment of Fr Robert Carillo as founding Parish Priest. Fr Carillo took up residence in March 2001 in an old farmhouse that became the parish house where initial Masses were held. In the same year, Sr Margaret Mary Gannon, SJA joined the Parish as a Pastoral worker.
As the community grew, Mass services moved to Canning Vale State Primary School where parishioners were required to transport chairs and a portable altar to and from every weekend.
In 2004, St Emilie de Vialar was officially confirmed as the name for the church by Bishop Sproxton during a special ‘Naming Mass’. In December 2004, Mass services moved to the newly built St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School undercover area. The permanent church building was officially dedicated and opened by Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey on 23 May 2010. A significant spiritual milestone occurred in April 2011 when a first-class relic of St Emilie was brought from Rome and enshrined in the church.
A blessed community
The following personal reflections attest to the genuine impact that the community has had on many:
“Then and now, there was only one common understanding and that is, we are a community moving forward united in faith, hope and love.” – Fr Robert Carrillo, Parish Priest, 2001-2012.
“I was truly blessed and fortunate to have a very devout and faithful flock in Canning Vale which made my priestly ministry very enriching and fruitful.” – Fr Chien Nguyen, Parish Priest, 2013-2020.
“It is both a great privilege and a deep joy to serve within the vibrant community of St Emilie’s Church and School.” – Sr Geetha, SJA.
“All were very excited, especially the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, when the church was named St Emilie De Vialar.” – Sr Bernadette Casey, SJA.
“St Emilie’s will always have a place in my heart as a friendly, welcoming, vibrant and colourful community.” – Fr Anibal Leite Da Cunha, Assistant Priest, 2013-2016.
“St Emilie’s will always remain a significant chapter in my life…a community that helped me, guided me and welcomed me with open arms.” – Fr Giovanni Raffaele, Assistant Priest, 2016-2018. “The school and parish are intertwined and deeply connected. The role of parishioners in the life of a Parish school is vital, and I thank all in our community for continuing to guide and form our young people in our faith.” – Chris Burns, Principal, St Emilie’s Catholic Primary School.
