Two ancient traditions from two different cultures were celebrated at Manning Parish on Sunday 6 February, with some 150 parishioners and members of Perth’s Chinese community gathering, first for the blessing and opening of the new Columbarium at St Pius X Church by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, followed by a special Mass to mark the Chinese New Year.

Manning’s parish priest, Fr Patrick Lim, has been a driving force behind the new Columbarium, both as an organiser and artist, and is also Chaplain to the Chinese Community. “I wear two hats,” laughed Fr Patrick.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has recently highlighted that we must be careful not to fall into the trap of constructing in our own minds a Jesus with whom we can be comfortable and who does not ask too much of us, during the celebration Mass for the opening and blessing of the new columbarium and gardens at Cottesloe-Mosman Park Parish. By Jamie O’Brien.