The affable young Bishop Peter graces St Canice’s for ‘sumptuous’ 125th Anniversary Celebrations

t’s nothing short of Divine intervention that we celebrate the 125th Anniversary Mass at St Canice’s blessed with blue skies and sunshine. For days, weather forecasters have been promising gusty, wintery blasts from Antarctica, and rain. Thank God! They were wrong!

We were also blessed with the presence of a most engaging Bishop Peter Comensoli, who presided at the Mass. After Mass, sun streaming through the trees creating a golden haze, Bishop Peter ventures outside into the forecourt, mitre on, mingling, big smile, hand out-stretched, introducing himself to the parishioners. This young prelate is so boy-next-door approachable. How refreshing; how great if he were to get the nod to replace Cardinal Pell.

The Opening of the Church and celebration of the first Mass was on May 5th 1889. Cardinal Moran presided.

Today’s celebratory Mass was indeed a moving, spiritual experience from so many perspectives, but one of the regular parishioners summed it up in perhaps more secular vernacular ‘sumptuous’! This is such a juxtaposition to the normal daily focus of the parish providing a welcome haven, without judgement, for the needy in our densely populated area of Sydney.

But, surely we can afford to be ‘sumptuous’ for a day – on the occasion of our 125th Anniversary Celebration!

n the long, first note of the trumpet, a palpable hush engulfs the church and the 300+ congregation instinctively rises, and stands rooted to the spot by the wonderful Prelude to Te Deum by Marc Charpentier – the organ and trumpet fanfare to announce the commencement of the celebratory 125th Anniversary Mass.

Meanwhile, as Master of Ceremonies, I stand at the lectern, also stunned, (during a much longer pause than you see in this video, wondering ‘Is that all there is?” ). And then it starts. Wonderful music – from the heavens. Thank you, Christine and thank you Ian.

 

Fanfare and ‘Acknowledgement of Land’ – 3-minute Video

 
 
he Principal Celebrant at today’s Mass is the recently appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese, the Most Reverend Bishop Peter Comensoli – warmly received by all. So affable, approachable, and simply enjoyed being here, mingling and chatting with parishioners for an hour after the Mass.

'Bishop Peter' chats and shares a chicken sandwich with Elouise and June

Celebrating The Spirit of St Canice’s – Bishop Peter’s Homily and Other ‘personal Reflections’

hese are extracts from four inspiring Addresses during this special Mass. They include Bishop Peter’s Homily; Father Chris’ words before the Final Blessing; and personal insights into what the “Spirit of St Canice’s” means to two of our steadfast parishioners, Sue Wittenoom, and Gerard Brennan.