Priests and clergy from across the diocese came together 29 November 2023 for the Annual Priests and Clergy Mass and Dinner.
The celebration, which commenced with Mass, was celebrated by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, and held at the Trinity College Chapel.
Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey, Geraldton Bishop Emeritus Justin Bianchini and all some 75 priests from across the Archdiocese joined as concelebrants for the occasion, with Deacon Jason Yeap assisting and Fr Simeon San as MC.
Seminarians from St Charles Seminary and Redemptoris Mater Seminary were also present, assisting with the liturgy and music, which was led by St Mary’s Cathedral Director of Music Jacinta Jakovcevic.
The annual Mass and Dinner is an occasion to congratulate and honour priests and clergy who are marking significant anniversaries.
In 2023, four priests celebrated their Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of service, these were, Fr Mariusz Adamczyk SDS, ordained 30 May 1998, Fr Paul Fox ordained 9 October 1998, Fr John Piumatti ordained 9 October 1998 and Rev Dr Armando Carandang, who was ordained on 15 October 1998.
Pallotine priest Fr Rev Fr Joseph D’Rozario SAC celebrated his Ruby Jubilee, marking 40 years of priesthood. He was ordained 26 October 1983.
Fathers Ossie Lewis, ordained 1 March 1973, Fr Francis Ughanze, ordained 6 May 1973 and Fr John Follent OCD, ordained 10 June 1973 celebrated their Golden Jubilee which commemorates 50 years of service.
Fr Jim (James) Corcoran, ordained 2 June 1963 and Fr Kenneth Keating 29 June 1963 topped the celebrations, marking their Diamond Jubilee, or 60 years of priesthood.
All priests celebrating an anniversary were presented with a plaque by Archbishop Costelloe.
