CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF FAITH AND A LIFETIME OF HOPE AND LOVE

 

“For men this is impossible, but for God everything is possible.” (Matthew 18:26).  This is the belief of the congregation at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Maylands.  Situated in Perth, Western Australia, this institution has withstood ongoing changes and still stands strong on its 100^th birthday on 12 July 2025.

On Sunday 13 July, the Parish Council ceremoniously celebrated this milestone with its congregation and visitors.  The morning began with a drum roll on the church grounds and the church service began with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe SDB who was joined by Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Don Sproxton VG and Parish Priest Fr Stanislaw Tomasiak OFM.  This was followed by an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ delivered by Parish Councillor Teresa Ferguson (nee Taverniti).  Teresa is a long-standing member, who during the last 65-years, has witnessed five generations of her family receive at this Church their sacraments – Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation and Last Rites.

Archbishop Costelloe’s reference to then Archbishop Clune’s laying of the foundation stone on 12 July 1925 and, at that time, then Parish Priest Fr Lynch’s contribution to the Parish had everyone’s rapt attention.  When he mentioned that Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Maylands has undergone ongoing changes since its existence, except one that remained unchanged - the need for Christ’s healing, compassion and mercy, it struck a chord with everyone. When the five parishioners read out their petitions in their native languages – Korean, Spanish, Kakwa, Bahasa Malaysian and Malayalam, it was the subtle reminder of the change in the church’s demographics and the evolving history of its congregation.

Thanks to the choir, who thru its well-rehearsed singing, made more meaningful the service…However, the “singing priest” (Fr Stan- as he lovingly is known)’s rendition of the hymn “Ubi Caritas” (a Latin phrase meaning "where charity and love are, God is there),” accompanied by the strumming of his guitar, added the finishing touches to the service and evinced a thundering applause from the congregation.

The Thanksgiving Mass ended with the Archbishop and the Parish Priest cutting the cake on the sanctuary and with a slice of humour: “The cake-cutting is part of the celebration but not part of the liturgy.”   It had everyone smiling and saying “hip-hip-hooray” on their way to the meet-greet-eat Morning Tea under the unforeseen sunshine and inside a giant marquee on the church grounds.  The giveaway goody-bags containing the centenary booklets made for the walk down Memory Lane. It captured the Church’s journey through its silver, golden, and platinum jubilee celebrations. It also included the births and growths of the church’s presbytery, hall, school, columbarium and shrine.

Thanks to the generosity of its parishioners, this 100-year-old Church and its surrounds wore a fresh look at its centenary celebration.  The extensive restoration work of its historical building’s pillars, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows and grounds deserves special mention.  Though this institution needs additional funds to pay professionals to restore its pigmented and kiln-fired gold-stained glass windows, yet it is confident of weathering this financial storm.

Known for its social, spiritual and cultural profile, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Maylands is a landmark of changes…Not only in demographics…But also in its inclusion of non-English speaking parishioners, its powerful sense of belonging to community, and its diversity in leadership.  It has had 32 parish priests and from distinct parts of the world; mostly Ireland and Poland.

Parish Priest Fr Stan is of Polish origin and has led this church since 2016.  His association with the parish began in 2009 as its Assistant Priest.  Restricted by COVID regulations, Fr Stan had only a select few who could attend in person his ordination at Our Lady Queen of Poland.  The momentous event was livestreamed to his parishioners and his family and friends who eagerly joined him in spirit from Poland to celebrate his priesthood.  So when this “singing priest” joined the choir and shared the sanctuary with the Auxiliary Bishop and the Archbishop, on the Church’s 100^th birthday and in the presence of his parishioners and community, it made for a priceless moment.

SOPHIE MENEZES