Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings to you all!
Solemnity of Christ the King: Year B
Holy Mother Church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King; with this celebration we come to the end of the Liturgical Year B. This solemnity helps us to identify who one should follow and obey in one’s life.
In 1925, through an encyclical Quas Primas Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in the universal Church. Through this Solemnity, the holy Father has emphasised the supremacy of Jesus as the King of the universe. Because after the First World war there was a growing sense of secularism and the due respect for the creator was not given, so to emphasise the fact that God is the creator of the universe he instituted this feast.
In his encyclical, “Quas Primas” he noted that the continuing disorder of that era, what he called “the plague of society,” had long been festering and was the result of nations rejecting Christ. Later in the encyclical the pontiff pointedly reminded national governments, “Christ, who has been cast out of public life, despised, neglected and ignored, will most severely avenge these insults; for His kingly dignity demands that the State should take account of the commandments of God and of Christian principles, both in making laws and in administering justice, and also in providing for the young a sound moral education” (No. 32).
Friends, this feast is a powerful reminder to all of us; because it helps us to identify who is our real boss in life. The history of the Church gives us many examples of men and women, who were either belonging to a religious order or living the ordinary life of the laity, bore witness to the supremacy of Jesus’s kingship through their lives. Just to give a few examples: Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, when he was brought before the Roman authorities, was asked to curse, and disown the supremacy of Jesus, but he denied this saying, “Eighty-six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong: how then can I blaspheme against my King, Jesus Christ, who saved me?” As a result, he was burnt to death. St. Thomas More was the Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of Henry VIII. St. Thomas More challenged the king over the issue of marriage and remarriage and trying to make himself head of the Church of England. As a result he resigned from his prestigious and wealthy position as Lord Chancellor and lived a life of poverty. His last recorded words were: “I die the king’s good servant, but God’s first.”
So, friends as we live our daily lives, let us remember that we are pilgrims on earth marching towards our true and eternal King Jesus Christ. In all that we do and say proclaim the supremacy of Jesus. May the reign of Christ continue to live in our hearts and in the world. Amen.
Readings and Hymns
Please click here to download the readings and hymns for the Solemnity of Christ the King: Year B.
Family Mass
The Family Mass music is different from the other Masses so kindly click here to download the readings and hymns for the Solemnity of Christ the King: Year B.
Important celebrations in November
Lux Aeterna: Choral Music by Candle Light
Dear friends of the Basilica, you are invited to a beautiful evening of choral music by candlelight sung by some of Perth’s finest choral singers dedicated to the holy souls. The choir will be directed by Alessandro Pittorino and joined by special guest artist Paul Wright on violin in the beautiful acoustics of St Patrick’s Basilica, Fremantle. Music featured will include Allegri’s Miserere, Barber’s Agnus Dei, movements from Faure’s requiem and much more.
This event is proudly sponsored by Mrs Eileen Bond in memory of Fr Don Hughes OMI and Maureen Duffield.
To book online please click here.
Sunday 28th November: Advent Carols at St. John’s Anglican Church
Dear parishioners, St. John’s Anglican Church in Fremantle is hosting an Advent Carol service on Sunday 28th November at 7pm. This service is entitled as “Festival of Lessons and Music for Advent.” It is a very moving service, with the church being gradually lit by candles as the lessons are read. Hymns will be sung, and the choir will also sing in between the readings, as the candles are lit.
It would be great if you could avail your time at the start of Advent and represent our Basilica Community. I will attend this service. Hope to see you there.
Advent Reflection
Advent is the journey towards an understanding of the mystery of the Christmas miracle. This year the Charism Team from the Australian province has put together a programme for us to prepare well for the celebration of Christmas.
We will begin this Advent Reflection on Monday 29th November at 7pm. This programme will run on every Monday at 7pm in the Parish Administration centre leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
If you want to be part of this Spiritual preparation for Christmas, please contact the parish office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday).
Important dates in December
- Sunday 5th December: Monthly Parish Morning Tea.
- Wednesday 8th December: Solemnity of Immaculate Conception.
- Sunday 12th December: Memorial Mass for David Shelton OMI.
- Sunday 19th December: Special Parish Christmas Morning Tea and celebration of Fr. Colbert’s Diamond jubilee of Priestly Ordination anniversary.
- Wednesday 22nd December: Second Rite of Reconciliation.
Expressions of Interest Prison Biscuit Baking
The Parish has been approached by the Prison Co-ordinator of Melaleuca Prison to provide home baked biscuits for the prisoners at Christmas Time. In previous years this was an initiative by Fr David Shelton OMI, however since Fr Shelton’s passing and COVID we have not provided this service. If you would like to participate in this important ministry in the true spirit of Christmas in 2021 please leave your details with the Parish Office and we can then send you the baking information sheet and delivery date for the biscuits to the Parish Office.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocese Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe with the aim of providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, leaders and especially children and vulnerable adults. The parish of St Patrick’s Basilica is committed to creating a safe parish. To read more please click here.
Mass Intentions
Please click here for the Mass Intentions of the week (from 21st November to 27th November 2021).
To book your Mass Intentions please contact the Parish office on 9335 2268 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm).
The Planned Giving Programme
The planned giving programme is an important part of the Parish as it allows us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Parish Administration Centre. To keep the Parish viable, we must maintain a target of 95% and above each week. Last week’s giving was 60%.
Please consider joining the Planned Giving Programme. If you are not already a member, for more information contact the Parish Office. Thank you!
God bless!
Fr John Sebastian
Rector and Parish Priest