Archbishop Timothy Costelloe made the most of his annual visit to St Charles’ Seminary in Guildford last month on 3 November, where he celebrated Mass, met with seminarians and blessed newly completed renovations.
During the Mass, the Archbishop admitted to candidacy Joseph Laundy, Tung Vu and Konrad Gagatek who have completed their first year of formation. The Rite of Candidacy, which is the first of four stages on the path to priestly ordination, was a momentous occasion for the three seminarians who celebrated the occasion with family and friends.
During the Candidacy Mass, Archbishop Costelloe reminded the seminary community of the vital importance of thinking with the mind of Christ and with the mind of the Church and also challenged them to be open to where Jesus calls, even when fear and habit may try to hold them back.
Throughout his visit, the Archbishop personally met with each seminarian and also blessed the recent renovations of Aquin House, a building which will be used as the First Year Residence, as well as housing the First Year Formator.
In February 2016, four young men will enter St Charles’ Seminary for the Archdiocese of Perth and one candidate for the Diocese of Broome. The renovation of Aquin House highlights the Archbishop’s commitment to encourage vocations to the priesthood within the Archdiocese.
Activities at the Seminary continued into the following day when the Guildford Grammar Schola sang Evensong for the Seminary Community.
The evening was arranged by the chaplain of Guildford Grammar, the Rev Dr Philip Raymont, who also delivered a fascinating address about the liturgical reforms of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, a subject studied this semester at Notre Dame Fremantle by the seminarians.
Also present for the occasion was the assistant chaplain at Guildford Grammar and the Precentor from St George’s Cathedral.
The ecumenical dimension of the evening, which concluded with a festive meal, was underlined by the loaning to St George’s Cathedral of two kneelers used by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, during their recent visit to Perth.