Golden year ahead for diocese

The Kimberley Catholic Diocese marked the first of two major events as part of its golden jubilee anniversary celebrations.

Next year, the diocese celebrates 50 years since it was founded in 1966.

This also coincides with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, a significant event in the Catholic Church, held on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception from December 8, 2015, and ending on the Feast of Christ the King, on November 20, 2016.

To mark the occasion, a diocesan jubilee and Year of Mercy opening mass was held in all Kimberley parishes including Broome at St Mary’s College last Tuesday.

Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders said Pope Paul VI decreed on June 17, 1966, that the church in the Kimberley had come of age and Bishop John Jobst was named as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Broome.

Next year, the major celebration will be on June 2 and will include parishioners from all parts of the Kimberley and visitors from all over Australia.

Highlights will include an art exhibition and competition, the journey of the World Youth Day Legacy Cross throughout the Kimberley, a special symposium on the environment and a dedicated exhibition at the Sisters of St John of God relationships centre.

The Pope’s representative in Australia, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana will be the first amongst ecclesiastical guests invited to the occasion.

Bishop Saunders said the church in the Kimberley has played a vital role in the development of the region.

“This is a useful time to be proud of our past, to celebrate the achievements of 50 years and to build for the future of the Kimberley community, Catholics and non-Catholics alike for, after all, as Pope Francis reminds us, we share a common destiny.”