By Fr Michael Twigg OMI
In 2026, the Mazenod College community celebrates 60 years of Catholic education in the Oblate tradition.
On Friday 22 May, more than 1100 members of the Mazenod and wider community gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral to give thanks to God and celebrate the College’s 60th anniversary of service within Western Australia.
Perth Auxiliary Bishop Nelson Po was the main celebrant, and Fr Andrew Chen OMI was the homilist. They were joined by 10 local and travelling Oblates as a sign of solidarity and joy. Old Boy Mark Powell, Director of Religious Education at CEWA, kindly served as Deacon.
Of special significance was the fact that this was Bishop Nelson’s first Mass since becoming a Bishop – a joy the community treasured greatly. Bishop Nelson’s connection to the community was appreciated by all.
While the Mass celebrated the Feast of St Eugene de Mazenod OMI, it also gave thanks for the many people who have shaped and continue to shape Mazenod College in Lesmurdie.
The music was led by Dominic Perissinotto, a Mazenod College Victoria Old Boy, as well as the College choir under the direction of Brandon Poletti. Mazenod parent Aleisa Powell beautifully led the Ave Maria while the choir led Salve Regina, an Oblate anthem.
The 60th anniversary Mass was Mazenod College’s first to be celebrated at the Cathedral and marked the first time in 132 years of OMI WA presence that St Eugene was celebrated outside of an Oblate mission. As the patron saint for families in great difficulty, many prayers were offered for families in need as well.
Among the Mazenod community members present at the Mass were some of the boarding families from rural Western Australia along with students, old boys, families, staff, board and community members.
Special guests included Annette Morey, Executive Director of CEWA; former Director, Wayne Bull; Honourable Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans Affairs; Liam Stalteri MLA, Shadow Minister for Education Early Childhood and Disability Services; Sisters of Mercy; Veronica Parker, Principal of St Brigid’s College; and representatives of Iona College, Queensland and Mazenod College, Victoria.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Mazenod is a local Catholic school for the entire state. It continues to strive to not just be one of the best schools in the state, but more importantly, to be one of the best schools for the state.
A rich history
It was in May 1965 when Fr Ian Mackintosh OMI and Fr Dennis Mcarthy OMI, alongside generous families and locals, led the initial land clearing program for the proposed school site – a site secured with the vital and generous support of local politicians and real estate agents.
With the building works undertaken in earnest, the foundation grade six and seven students arrived on 14 February 1966 under the guidance of West Australian Oblate, Fr Don Hughes OMI, the College’s inaugural Rector.
Today, Mazenod College is a thriving Catholic community, guided by the Oblate tradition and its motto, Come, learn who you are in the eyes of God.
Mazenod College is a treasured Oblate ministry for the entire Congregation. The dignity, safety and care of each member of the community continues to be the highest priority.
To further commemorate the College’s anniversary, a staff reunion will be held on Friday 14 August, followed by an old boys reunion and Mass on Saturday 7 November and a College Board reunion on Tuesday 24 November.