Newman College Churchlands held its final celebration last week as part of its 2015 Golden Jubilee Year, with a Thanksgiving Mass and Twilight Soiree.
Bishop of Bunbury, Bishop Gerard Holohan was the principal celebrant for the Mass, together with concelebrating priests, Father Peter Whiteley (Vicar General), Ballajura parish priest Fr John Jegorow and Baldivis parish priest Fr Geoff Aldous, who were all past students of Marist education in Perth.
A spokesperson from Newman College said the celebration of the Eucharist was greatly enhanced by the beautiful singing of the Liturgical Choir.
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Holohan reflected on his 21 years of living with the Marist Brothers at Churchlands, serving as Chaplain to the Brothers and students, and the sadness of his departure upon being appointed Bishop of Bunbury.
He also spoke of the meaning of the College’s motto, Through Shadows and Images to Truth, written by Blessed John Henry Newman and how our lives could be enhanced by emulating the search for truth within our own context.
A number of past students also contributed to the liturgy through the prayers of the faithful.
The Marist Province of Australia was represented by Brother Peter Carroll FMS, Provincial Elect; Br John McMahon FMS, Director of Marist Tertiary Studies; and Paul Herrick, Marist Schools Australia Regional Director.
Sister Bernice Tonkin CSB represented the Brigidine Sisters and Sr Regina O’Neill OP represented the Dominican Sisters.
Mr John Aldous, from the Catholic Education Office WA, and Mr Sean L’Estrange MLA, Member for Churchlands, also attended.
Federal Foreign Affair Minister, the Hon Julie Bishop, opened the evening with an address which acknowledged and placed value on the contributions of Religious Orders to the education of students.
Minister Bishop reflected on the wide range of leaders produced by Newman College, citing Nobel Laureate, Professor Barry Marshall, and Formula One Driver, Daniel Ricciardo, as examples.
She strongly acknowledged the importance of the teaching vocation and the impact teachers have on the lives of their students.
At the conclusion of Minister Bishop’s address, Bishop Holohan thanked her on behalf of the Newman College community for the way in which she had worked tirelessly for the return to Australia of the victims of the East Ukraine plane disaster, particularly the Maslin children, whose parents are past students of Newman College.
Following the Mass, drinks and canapés were served in Founders Court.
A spokesperson for the College said the spirit of the evening was one of relaxation and happiness as old friends (from the mid 60s to recent former students and staff) caught up and reminisced about their days at the college. Some 300 guests were entertained by singing groups made up of current students and staff.