2. Acolytes process down the aisle at the conclusion of the Palm Sunday Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sunday 10 April. Photo: Ron Tan.
3. Archbishop Costelloe elevates the Oil of Chrism during the Chrism Mass on Tuesday 12 April at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan.
4. Archbishop Costelloe pours the Oil into Catechumen during the Chrism Mass, Tuesday 12 April at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan.
As Christians we believe that in Jesus we see what a life lived with real integrity, faithfulness and constancy looks like, said Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe in celebrating Palm Sunday.
More than 350 people gathered for the occasion, marking the start of Holy Week.
“We see, in other words, realised in one concrete life, the full living out of God’s dream for us all,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“And we come to understand that God’s dream for us is that we live in such a way that all the good that lies within us rises to the surface and brings deep joy not only to us but to all those people who in one way or another are a part of our life.
Joining Archbishop Costelloe for the Mass was Vicar General, Fr Peter Whitely VG, Cathedral Dean Fr Sean Fernandez, Assistant Priest Fr Richard Rutkauskas, and Deacon Paul Russell assisting.
The Mass was also livestreamed to YouTube and Facebook supported by captions and AUSLAN interpretation, with more than 500 viewers tuning in.
Tuesday 12 April also marked the celebration of the Chrism Mass, with more than 120 parish priests and their representatives attending.
Speaking about the priesthood, Archbishop Costelloe explained that the essence of the priesthood of Jesus is found in his humility, in his obedience, and in his readiness to give everything, including his life, for others.
“The essence of the priesthood of God’s priestly people is found in exactly the same realities – our humility before God, our obedience to the will of God for us as individuals and together, and our readiness to put ourselves at the service of others, no matter the cost,” he said.
Archbishop Costelloe continued by inviting the congregation to pray for our clergy.
“Tonight, as your priests renew the commitments they made at the time of their ordination, please pray for them – pray for us – for we need you to help us be the priests God has called us to be.
“Remind us that we are called to live, in imitation of Christ, in humility, in obedience, and in generous self-sacrifice for your sake.
“Remind us that we are called to be living images of the one who is the face of the Father’s mercy.
“But remember, too, that we, like you, are in need of compassion, of forgiveness, of understanding and of patience.”