In his first public action as the new Catholic Bishop of Bunbury, Bishop George Kolodziej SDS has last month opened a new ‘Door of Hope’ at St John of God Bunbury Hospital.
The opening of the Door of Hope explained Bishop Kolodziej, is being celebrated in harmony with the Jubilee Year of Hope, as proclaimed by Pope Francis.
“A hospital is a place where human weakness and divine love meet. Those who enter here often carry burdens of illness, anxiety, or the weight of caring for a loved one,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
“Through this Holy Door, we declare a profound truth: Christ Himself walks these corridors. He is present in the sick who long for healing.
“He is present in the doctors and nurses who serve with dedication. And He is present in every visitor who brings comfort, prayers, and love,” he said.
By passing through the Door of Hope, the faithful can receive a plenary indulgence if they fulfill the usual conditions, including confession, receiving the Eucharist, and praying for the Pope’s intentions.
The special liturgical service and Mass on Thursday 27 March was attended by SJOG Bunbury Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jack Harding, St John of God Health Care Trustees Mark Murphy and Rev Dr Joseph Parkinson as well as SJG Bunbury Hospital caregivers.
Concelebrating with Bishop Kolodziej was St Patrick’s Cathedral Dean, the Very Fr Pierangelo Repuyan, Fr Gerald Tan, Fr Jayan Johnson, Fr Jess Navara, Fr Archie Carampatan and Fr Victor Lobo.
Speaking after the service and Mass, Mr Harding said it was an honour for our hospital to be part of this important celebration. He thanked the South-West Catholic communities for coming together in support of this event.
“The occasion is a beautiful reinforcement of our St John of God Health Care Mission and Values,” Mr Harding said.
“The blessing of the Door of Hope offers hope, dignity and grace to those patients and families in our care, as our Chapel continues to provide a place of sanctuary, support and reflection,” he said.
“The Jubilee Year of Hope reminds us that God’s mercy is always open to us, like a door that never closes,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
“When we enter this hospital, let us remember that hope is not merely wishful thinking, it is a promise embedded in faith. Every step taken towards the sick is a step towards Christ Himself,” he said.
Bishop Kolodziej concluded by saying As we step through this door, let us carry in our hearts the prayer of Julian of Norwich, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
“May this be a place where hope is rekindled, grace is received, and all will indeed be well in God’s time,” Bishop Kolodziej said.
Members of the Bunbury Catholic College student choir and St Mary MacKillop College Busselton students also performed during the Mass.
“The Jubilee Year of Hope reminds us that God’s mercy is always open to us, like a door that never closes,” Bishop Kolodziej said. Photo: Michelle Tan. 
Music for the Mass was led by a teacher and students from Bunbury Catholic College and St Mary MacKillop Catholic College Busselton. Photo: Michelle Tan. 
Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS with staff from St John of God Hospital. Photo: Michelle Tan. 
Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS and St John of God Hospital Bunbury CEO, Jack Harding cut the cake to celebrate the opening of the Door of Hope, Thursday 27 March. Photo: Michelle Tan.
