Celebrations as Rottnest church reaches golden milestone
A church on Rottnest Island created by a priest who thought he was heading to Garden Island and enlisted the US Navy's help in its construction is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The golden jubilee of Rottnest's Holy Trinity Catholic Church will be held on Sunday, June 15, with a Thanksgiving Mass at 10am led by Archdiocese of Perth Vicar General, the Very Rev. Monsignor Vincent Glynn.
It will include the blessing of a newly commissioned golden memorial plaque, followed by a high tea in the church courtyard.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.
Holy Trinity Church stands as a tribute to its founder, the late Monsignor Sean 'Mons' O'Shea.
He first arrived on the island in 1961 — mistakenly believing he was heading to Garden Island — and held Mass in makeshift venues such as the island's picture theatre.
By 1975, his dream of a dedicated place of worship became reality, thanks to the support of then Archbishop Lancelot Goody, local board member Des Sullivan, and architect C.J. Gabriels.
The church's structure, including a distinctive ochre facade, movable side doors and adjoining priest's quarters, remains almost entirely unchanged today.
Perhaps most memorable is the church's carillon of bells, installed in 1985.
Without a crane on the island, Monsignor O'Shea arranged for the US Navy's Pacific Fleet to airlift the bells by helicopter.
Mons O'Shea because just as famous for his hospitality as his homilies, becoming known for welcoming guests with pikelets and fig jam.
Even after suffering two strokes, he continued his ministry until his retirement in 2012.
He died later that year and is buried in the church courtyard.
Current chaplain Fr Joseph Rathnaraj encouraged Catholics as well as visitors and admirers of Rottnest Island to the jubilee celebrations.
'This is a time to honour Monsignor O'Shea's legacy and give thanks for 50 years of ministry, prayer, and peace shared here on the island,' Fr Joseph said.
Ferry services will be available from Fremantle and Hillarys.
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