Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has last week reinforced to seminarians from St Charles and Redemptoris Mater his message that with Christ as our focus, they are called to be men of communion and men who foster communion.
Speaking at a lunch for the seminarians, Sunday 23 February at Cathedral House, Archbishop Costelloe was joined by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Cathedral Dean, Rev Dr Sean Fernandez, Assistant priests Fr Richard Smith, Fr Kenneth Acosta and Fr Jason Yeap, former Vicar General, Fr Peter Whitely, and former Cathedral Dean Monsignor Michael Keating, with each sharing their wisdom and experiences with the seminarians discerning their vocation.
The lunch, organised by the Perth Vocations Office, is part of a wider program to grow the existing support seminarians receive.
Archbishop Costelloe commenced by reflecting on the presence of his fellow clergy and the seminarians being formed in priestly ministry sitting around the table.
“With Christ as our focus, we are meant to be men of communion and men who foster communion, not only in the communities in which we live, but also in the parishes that you will work and live in the future,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
His trumpet call to the seminarians is that they embody humility, patience, and courage in their formation.
He also reminded them that true leadership in the Church involves not only guiding from the front but also walking alongside and supporting those who struggle in their faith.
Recalling Christ’s call to self-sacrifice, he highlighted “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34).
Archbishop Costelloe encouraged the seminarians to embrace their vocation with a spirit of service, drawing people together in faith and love.
Prior to lunch, the St Charles Seminary community participated in the 11am Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, celebrated by Vice Rector and Vocations Director Fr Joseph Laundy and concelebrated by Fr Francis Nguyen, Rector of St Charles Seminary.
Preaching to a packed congregation, Fr Joseph reflected on the challenging words taken from St Mark’s Gospel to “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies”.
“Is Jesus asking us to be a charitable doormat here?” Fr Joseph questioned.
“What is apparent is that it reveals the genius of Jesus. Because, in following these commands, Jesus is allowing his disciples to create an environment that forces the offending person to confront the reality of what they are doing. This is coming straight from the mind of Jesus,” he said.
Musical Interlude by Redemptoris Mater Seminarians
Adding a lighter touch to the event, seminarians from Redemptoris Mater also performed a musical interlude featuring well-loved classics such as Waltzing Matilda, I Come From a Land Down Under and Take Me Home Country Road.
The performance by Jose, Juan, Sebastian, Joao, Daniel, Flavio, and Mikaere was met with enthusiastic sing-along by those in attendance.
Closing words from Bishop Don Sproxton
The afternoon concluded with Bishop Don Sproxton offering final words of encouragement, sharing that the seminarians are the future leaders of the Church, and re-affirmed the support from everyone in the Archdiocese to continue to assist them, spiritually and socially.
“Through prayer, fraternity, and guidance, we strive to ensure they grow into men who will serve God’s people with faith and love,” Bishop Sproxton said.
As 2025 unfolds, the Perth Vocations Office remains dedicated to providing ongoing support to those discerning the call to priesthood, ensuring they are strengthened in their faith and mission.
For more information, or to access support for your vocations journey, visit www.vocations.perthcatholic.org.au