Cathedral Choir join in Mullewa Centenary celebrations

04 Oct 2024

By The Record

The St Mary’s Cathedral Choir also sang at the Solemn Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral joining with members of its Cathedral Choir. Photo: Supplied/Jacinta Jakovcevic.

The St Mary’s Cathedral Choir have recently travelled to the mid-west region to take part in the centenary celebrations of the Church of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Mullewa, Saturday 14 September 2024.

This church is part of the incredible heritage of buildings of priest architect – now Servant of God – Monsignor John Hawes.

St Mary’s Cathedral Director of Music Jacinta Jakovcevic said the tour was a significant occasion for the Church in the regional area of WA – and in particular the local community of Mullewa and its surrounds.

“Taking part in this event gave a unique and very special opportunity for the Cathedral Choir to engage with the wider community of Western Australia and to share in the experience of the Church in our regional areas,” Ms Jakovcevic said.

Choristers from St Mary’s Cathedral ring the bells at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, Mullewa. Photo: Supplied/Jacinta Jakovcevic.

In addition to singing at the Centenary Mass, three of the St Mary’s Cathedral musicians also rang the six bells of the Mullewa Church which was not only added a special touch to the proceedings but was also a very educational experience for the musicians.  

“It was truly very special to have the choir loft of the Mullewa Church filled with our Cathedral choristers and some choristers from St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton,” Ms Jakovcevic continued.

“And it was a real thrill to see the church filled to the brim – and equally as many people outside – for this important occasion,” she said.

The tour also included a ‘mini pilgrimage’ to Mass Rock – the site where Monsignor Hawes would go to reach out to the indigenous people of the area and minister to them.

The St Mary’s Cathedral Choir perform during the centenary celebrations of the Church of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Mullewa, Saturday 14 September 2024. Photo: Supplied/Jacinta Jakovcevic.

Ms Jakovcevic highlighted the group were also included two violinists from the Cathedral’s new Camerata de Immaculata group: Bianca and Jade Vernie.

“As the mini pilgrimage continued with a visit to Pioneer Cemetery, a very poignant moment was the playing of ‘Abide with me’ on solo violin in the open air with the Cathedral Choir gently humming as an accompaniment,” Ms Jakovcevic explained.

“The Cathedral Choir also sang the next day at the Solemn Sung Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral joining with members of its Cathedral Choir.

Chorister Michael Masbate said he felt blessed to be singing at the Centenary Celebrations of Our Lady of Mt Carmel and Sts Peter and Paul Church.

“It feels great to help the Mullewa community in our own little way,” Michael said.

The Cathedral Choir, together with violinists Bianca and Jade Vernie, during a visit to the a visit to Pioneer Cemetery. Photo: Supplied/Jacinta Jakovcevic.

For more information about joining the Cathedral’s Vocal Ensemble, contact Jacinta Jakovcevic at music.cathedral@perthcatholic.org.au