Dear Parishioners and Friends,
On the second Sunday of Lent, we move from Jesus’ retreat to the desert and temptation by the devil to the glory shown in Jesus’ Transfiguration. On the first Sunday of Lent, our Gospel always tells the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. On the second Sunday, we always hear the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration.
The report of Jesus’ Transfiguration is found in each of the Synoptic Gospels— Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The context for Luke’s Transfiguration story is similar to that found in both Matthew and Mark. The Transfiguration occurs after Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus’ prediction about his Passion. After the prediction there is a discussion of the cost of discipleship in each of these Gospels. The placement of the Transfiguration story close to Peter’s confession and Jesus’ prediction encourages us to examine the Transfiguration in the larger context of the Paschal Mystery.
The Transfiguration occurs on a mountain in the presence of just three of Jesus’ disciples—Peter, James and John. These are among the first disciples that Jesus called in Luke’s Gospel. We recently heard this Gospel at Mass, on the fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Only Luke’s Gospel, which often describes Jesus at prayer, indicates that Jesus is praying as his appearance changes to bright white. Luke indicates that the three disciples were sleeping while Jesus prayed. They will be sleeping again as Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane before his Passion and death.
As they awake, Peter and the disciples see Jesus Transfigured and Elijah and Moses present with Jesus. Elijah and Moses, both significant figures in the history of Israel, represent Jesus’ continuity with the Law and the Prophets. In Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels, there is reference to conversation among Jesus, Elijah, and Moses, but only Luke’s Gospel explains that this conversation is about Jesus’ later accomplishments in Jerusalem. Luke describes this as his exodus, connecting Jesus’ Passion, death, and Resurrection with the Israel’s Exodus from Egypt.
On witnessing Jesus’ Transfiguration and seeing Jesus with Elijah and Moses, Peter offers to construct three tents for them. Having just awoken, perhaps Peter’s offer was made in confusion. We also notice that Peter reverted from his earlier confession that Jesus is the Messiah, calling Jesus’ “master” instead. As if in reply to Peter’s confusion, a voice from heaven speaks, affirming Jesus as God’s Son and commanding that the disciples listen to him. This voice from heaven recalls the voice that was heard at Jesus’ baptism which, in Luke’s Gospel, spoke directly to Jesus as God’s Son. In his Transfiguration, we see an anticipation of the glory of Jesus’ Resurrection. In each of the reports of the Transfiguration, the disciples keep secret what they have seen. Not until they also witness his Passion, and death will the disciples understand Jesus’ Transfiguration. We hear this story of Jesus’ Transfiguration early in Lent, but we have the benefit of hindsight. In our hearing of it, we anticipate Jesus’ Resurrection even as we prepare to remember Jesus’ Passion and death. (Source Loyola Press)
The Weekend eBulletin
Click here to download the eBulletin for the Second Sunday of Lent, Year C.
Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The indulgence, a priceless gift of divine mercy, is one of the special signs of the Jubilee Year. The conditions for obtaining a Jubilee Indulgence are:
- Pilgrimage to any of the designated Churches and Shrines
- St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth
- The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle
- St John Paul II Church, Banksia Grove
- Schoenstatt Shrine, Mount Richon
- Carmelite Monastery, Dalkeith
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Profession of Faith
- Prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father
Those unable to make a pilgrimage due to age, health, caregiving you can obtain an indulgence, under the usual conditions by reciting the Our Father, making a profession of faith and offering prayers from their homes, hospitals and nursing homes while offering up their own suffering.
Stations of the Cross during Lent
Commencing Friday 7th March and then continuing every Friday until Good Friday, Stations of the Cross in both English and Italian at 6.30pm. All Welcome
Piety Stall Volunteer
We are seeking a volunteer who can assist on Sundays 11am to Midday in the Piety Stall. The Piety Stall is the little shop we have in the front foyer of the Church. You will be required to be stationed at the Piety Stall during that time and assist with sale of items. If you can assist, please contact the Parish Office.
Basilica Carpark
The Basilica grounds are open at 7am to 7.30pm Mon to Sunday. Any cars that are parked in the grounds after lockup will need to be collected the following morning. Parking in the Basilica grounds is at your own risk.
Presbytery Cleaner Required
The Oblates are seeking a cleaner to work in the Presbytery, 5 hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and some Fridays. The position includes washing and ironing, room cleaning and general house cleaning. You will require a National Police Clearance and cleaning experience would be an advantage. If you would like more information or would like to apply, please contact the parish office.
Thank you to everyone who attended the World Day of Prayer on Friday 7th March in the Basilica, it was a wonderful ecumenical service attended by all denominations. A sincere thank you to all those who assisted and volunteered with the service and the morning tea, those who supplied food to be shared and those who stayed back to help clean up. THANK YOU!
Palm Sunday – 13th April
Unfortunately, due to the lack of palms that the parish can access, the parish will be unable to supply palms for parishioners at Palm Sunday Masses. Please source your own palm for the weekend 12th/13th April and bring them along for the blessing at the Masses. Thank You.
Safeguarding of our children in the Parish
The Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project was started in 2016 by Archbishop Timothy Costello SDB 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, visit http://fremantlestpatricks.org.au/parish-safeguarding-project/.
The new St Patrick’s chamber choir are seeking talented singers to join for services, concerts and recordings. If you think you’d love to sing fantastic music with passion (or just want to improve your skills) this is the group for you. Everyone is welcome, every Monday, 6:30pm. Contact the parish office for more information.
Weekly Giving
The collections are an important part of a Parish life. Your weekly 1st collection donations support the Priests in the parish to minister to the needs of the parish community and the Fremantle boarders.
Your weekly 2nd collection donations help us to maintain all aspects of the Basilica, Presbytery and Administration Centre. Without your assistance we would not be able to provide and maintain the Parish and its community. Thank You!
Please continue to give generously via the collection plate, tap and go tablets or direct deposits into the accounts below.
EFT First Collection Details
BSB: 086 006
A/c No: 56187 5405
Reference: 1st Collection and your name
First Collection supports the Priests.
EFT Second Collection Details
BSB: 066 107
A/c No: 0080 0216
Reference: 2nd Collection and your name
Second Collection supports the Parish.
Coming Events
Friday 21st March
Stations of the Cross in English and Italian
Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April
Oblate Formation