Golden celebration for seaside town’s beacon of faith
By Wendy Shaw
The golden jubilee of the eye-catching A-frame Catholic church overlooking the sparkling waters of Anderson Bay at Bridport was a momentous and joyous occasion.
That was the sentiment of Scottdale Parish administrator Fr Edwin Thundathil Xavier, as more than 60 past and present parishioners packed St Mary’s Church on 2 March for the special jubilee Mass.
It was a time for gratitude, not only for ‘50 glorious years’, and the blessing of a new grotto but also for Fr Edwin’s recovery following open heart surgery in December.
“This is a time of heartfelt thanksgiving, deep reflection and spiritual renewal, as we honour 50 glorious years of unwavering faith, selfless service and profound devotion,” Fr Edwin said in his words of welcome.
“With grateful hearts, we rejoice in God’s countless blessings and the grace that has sustained our beloved church through the years.”
Reflecting on his own health challenges, Fr Edwin turned to the chief celebrant, Archbishop Julian, and said: “With a heart full of gratitude, I sincerely thank you dear bishop for your prayers, care and support during my open-heart surgery last December. Your comforting words and spiritual guidance gave me strength and peace during a difficult time.”
Archbishop Julian said the celebration marked a significant milestone in the history of the church and the parish.
“Today is a day of great joy,” Archbishop Julian said.
“I am delighted to see that people have come from the various parts of the parish to be here in Bridport to mark this anniversary. May this parish community continue to be a beacon of faith in this beautiful seaside town.”
The Archbishop blessed the new wooden grotto dedicated to Mary, which will be moved to the church foyer. The Blessed Mother is housed in a structure made of macrocarpa wood that was donated by Bruce and Maria Branch of Ringarooma.
Fr Edwin expressed special thanks to the parish pastoral council members for organising the celebration while he was ill, and to Bridport parishioner Lorraine Breadmore, a regular at Mass since the church was opened and dedicated by Archbishop Guilford Young on 2 March, 1975.
Mrs Breadmore, 87, who lives within walking distance of St Mary’s, greeted parishioners at the jubilee celebration with a big smile and a warm welcome.
A mother of five, grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of ten, Mrs Breadmore recalled that before the church was built, Catholics in the area celebrated Mass in the home of Mrs Kay Drongel and later at the Bridport hall. The Missionary Sisters of Service had a house in the Granite Point area of town and would offer religious instruction to children.
“And then we had this church built,” Mrs Breadmore said of the building that started out as an A-frame kit home.
“The Christian Brothers donated the land and someone else donated the house.
“My baby brother, Patrick Barnett, was the first wedding there, just after the church opened.
“It’s a beautiful church with a lovely view and we are very lucky we still have a priest.”
Fr Edwin paid tribute to Mrs Breadmore, saying: “I extend my immense gratitude to Lorraine for her unwavering commitment, dedication and generous service in caring for this church for many years. May the Lord bless her with good health and peace of mind.”
Holiday makers flock to the beautiful North-Eastern town in the warmer months, also swelling numbers at Mass
“This Catholic church of Bridport stands as a beacon of faith, welcoming all, especially during the summer holidays,” Fr Edwin added.
“As visitors and pilgrims seek rest and spiritual renewal, our church offers a place of prayer, hospitality and spiritual nourishment, witnessing Christ’s love through worship, service and a warm, inclusive community …
“As we begin this sacred celebration, let us lift out hearts in gratitude for the past, embrace the present with joy, and step forward in faith toward the future.”
