Monsignor Sean O’Shea confirms Rottnest resident, Singithi Megana Keyzer, with Bishop Don Sproxton and finishes up serving the Island after more than 50 years.
When someone finishes up in a role he’s been in for more than 50 years, one might expect him to wax lyrical about the experience.
This Sunday, Mgr Sean O’Shea will celebrate his final Mass as Rottnest Island Catholic chaplain – a position he has held since Archbishop Redmond Prendiville made the appointment in 1961.
But when Mgr O’Shea phoned The Record this week he was more concerned about getting newly-confirmed Rottnest resident, Singithi Megana Keyzer, 12, into the paper.
“She wants to send a copy to her grandmother back in Sri Lanka,” Mgr O’Shea said of Singithi, whose father is a cook for one of the island’s restaurants.
Mgr O’Shea gave Singithi instruction in the lead-up to her being confirmed by Bishop Donald Sproxton on Sunday, June 3.
“Oh yes, she’s a smart girl. And as an altar server, she’s spot on,” Mgr O’Shea said.
Singithi and her family have lived on the Island for around nine months. She attends the island’s primary school with around nine other pupils.
The Confirmation Mass took place on Holy Trinity Sunday, at Rottnest’s Holy Trinity Church, built at Mgr O’Shea’s direction in 1975 (Mass had previously been celebrated at the Island’s picture theatre).
After next Sunday, Mgr O’Shea will head off to Ireland to visit his 90-year-old brother. When he gets back, he will “clear out” to Castledare Village in Wilson.
He expects to be happy there, with an onsite chapel in which to celebrate Mass.
“Well, of course, it’s a bit of a break but there you are. One gets on in years and has various (health) problems,” Mgr O’Shea said.
Arrangements are being made to supply a fill-in minister until a permanent solution can be found.
“I’m hoping that there will be a priest who will put his hand up and say they are willing to go to Rottnest,” Mgr O’Shea said, adding that he never felt isolated on the Island.
“There are always people around the Island and its people are very nice. We see a cross section of Western Australians coming to Mass and it’s a privilege to meet them and welcome them,” he said.
In 1961, Mgr O’Shea was appointed chaplain to the Port of Fremantle which included celebrating Mass on Rottnest.
Years of ministry to seafarers at the Stella Maris Centre in Fremantle followed.
His ministry also took in stints at Cottesloe Parish as well as work for the Pontifical Council for Migrant and Itinerant People in Rome from 1987-1991.
He has lived on Rottnest Island for the past 11 years after retiring from duties at St Mary Star of the Sea, Mosman Park.
In 2009 he was awarded a Papal Medal for making an outstanding contribution to the Church, and was also awarded the Des Sullivan Medal by WA Tourism Minister Liz Constable for his contribution to Rottnest Island.
The Monsignor wants to be buried on the island, within the grounds of the Holy Trinity Church.
“The grave is dug but it’s just waiting for its occupant,” Mgr O’Shea said.
The Rottnest Island Authority has given its approval but final authority rests with the relevant state minister.
There will be no special celebration when Mgr O’Shea finishes up on Sunday. The Monsignor said he was happy to have enjoyed lunch with Bishop Sproxton on Monday.
When asked if he had anything he wanted to say for this article, he gave a characteristically humble and understated answer.
“Thank you to all the people who came to Rottnest,” Mgr O’Shea said. “It was a privilege to serve the
people.”