Girls' Camp 2015

Our Lady Help of Christians Girls' Camp organised by the Sisters of the Society  of the St. Pius X was held between January 3-8,2015 at Glenfield NSW.

Fr Cummins and Br Alban Bid Farewell

Father Cummins and Br Alban bade farewell in October 2003 to the Our Lady Help of Christians, Star of the Sea parish they had established in Jolimot near Perth.

The La Perouse Expedition

The La Perouse Expedition to the South Pacific (1785-1789) was one of scientific enquiries and geographical discoveries intended by King Louis XVI to be kind of French replica of the exploits of James Cook whom that king greatly admired.

By virtue of the Catholic regimen of the old French royal navy the expidition carried a priest aboard each ship, both of whom functioned in a dual capacity as chaplain and savant.

The first ship, Bouselle carried aboard as chaplain thr Abbe Jean Andre Mongez, Canon of Ste Genevieve, an expert in mineralogy and chemistry. The second ship, Astrolabe has as chaplain Pere Claude Francois Joseph Receveur, a Conventual Franciscan friar, who had previously undertaken scientific missions for the Academie des Sciences in Paris.

Both ships entered Botany Bay on the morning of 26 January 1788, passing and exchanging courtesies with the vessels of the British First Fleet sailing out for Sydney Cove. The next day was Sunday when presumably the first Mass was said in Australia whether aboard a shipbot ashore where the French were to establish a fortified encampment.

On 17 February 1788, Pere Receveur died in mysterious circumstances that were not recounted to the British at Sydney Cove with whom the French enjoyed extremely cordial relations during their lenghty sojourn at Botany Bay.

Father Edward Black, District Superior of the Society of St Pius X in Australia and New Zealand chanting the absolution for the dead within the grave enclosure during the dourteenth annual Pere Receveur Commemoration on 17 February 2001

Pere Receveur's grave at Botany Bay, New South Wales

St. Philomena Catholic School in Queensland

St. Philomena Independent Catholic School in Park Ridge, Queensland, is a unique institution dedicated to providing a traditional Catholic education. Opening its doors in 1999, the school offers primary education for students from grades 1 to 7, firmly rooted in classical spiritual and academic foundations that reflect the Catholic Church's enduring principles.

The establishment of St. Philomena's was not an overnight success but the result of years of determined effort by a group of dedicated Catholic parents. In the early 1990s, these parents became increasingly dissatisfied with the available education options, including local Catholic schools. They felt these schools were heavily influenced by modern trends—such as political correctness, contemporary fads, diluted academic standards, and an approach to religious education that focused more on self-development, social justice, and world religions than on the core tenets of Catholic faith. Feeling that these approaches lacked the spiritual and academic rigor they desired for their children, these parents sought an alternative.

Determined to create a school that would return to the traditional values and educational methods of Catholicism, the group approached the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) in 1992. The SSPX, known for its commitment to preserving traditional Catholic teachings and practices, supported the parents' vision. Together, they embarked on the mission to establish an independent Catholic school that would provide an authentic, classical education. Over several years, a grassroots movement developed, rooted in the community’s faith and devotion. This effort was guided by the intercession of St. Philomena, who was named the patroness of the Living Rosary by Pope Gregory XVI and the patroness of the Children of Mary by Pope Pius IX, becoming the school's heavenly patroness.

After years of planning and preparation, St. Philomena School officially opened its doors on Tuesday, February 2, 1999, under the leadership of Father Gerard Hogan, the Founding Principal. Since then, the school has grown steadily, guided by its commitment to traditional Catholic values and a classical curriculum. In recent years, under the leadership of Father Brendan Arthur, the school has further developed its classical curriculum and laid plans for expanding into high school education.

The curriculum at St. Philomena's is firmly rooted in the classical education model. It includes subjects such as Latin, Ancient Greek and Roman History, Logic, and French, emphasizing the timeless aspects of Western civilization's intellectual heritage. The school is unapologetic in its approach to teaching Catholicism, providing comprehensive instruction in the traditional catechism, Sacred Scriptures, Church history, the lives of the saints, prayer, and the traditional Latin liturgy. This holistic approach aims to form both the minds and the hearts of students, nurturing them to become knowledgeable and faithful Catholics.

At St. Philomena's, the school day is infused with spiritual practices. Each day begins and ends with prayers, providing students with a framework of faith that underlies their academic pursuits. Every week, the entire school community gathers for a school Mass, and the week concludes with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel. These practices are designed to foster a deep sense of reverence and devotion among the students, ensuring that their education is not just academic but also spiritually enriching.

Run by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) as an independent school with a focus on classical and Catholic education, and situated in tranquil outskirts south of Brisbane, in Park Ridge.

The school year at St. Philomena's culminates in a vibrant celebration of faith and culture with a full-scale Christmas play featuring students from all year levels. These productions have become a cherished tradition, showcasing the students' talents and creativity while reinforcing the school's religious themes. Last year, the students performed "Our Lady's Slipper," a stirring medieval French play that captivated the audience with its message of faith and devotion. This year, preparations are underway for "A Convict Christmas," promising another engaging and meaningful performance that reflects the school’s dedication to combining education with the celebration of Catholic tradition.

In all these ways, St. Philomena Independent Catholic School continues to stand apart as a beacon of traditional Catholic education. Its commitment to preserving the classical curriculum and fostering an authentic Catholic identity offers a countercultural alternative to more modern educational trends. The school's success is a testament to the dedication of its founders, the support of the SSPX, and the enduring appeal of a truly Catholic education in the contemporary world.

References:

Barros, Alistair. 'St Philomena's School: A Beacon Of Excellence'. Ad2000.com.au. N.p., 2015. Web. 14 Sept. 2015.

St. Dominic Savio School : Sydney's Best Catholic School

The Society's first school in Australia--St. Dominic Savio School at Rockdale, is actually a small school. We have no hesitation in stating that it is the best Catholic School in Sydney. We can say it is one of the three schools in Australia that teaches Catholic doctrine, complete and unadulterated.

According to then District Superior, Fr. Gerald Hogan the "St Dominic Savio is a rare school in today's common denominator, materialist age of so-called education; it seeks to help parents in their great role of educating their children, not only to take their place in society as good children of Mother Church, but especiallu to help them to prepare for eternity."

In July 1988, the Sisters of St Pius X came to help the priests in the running of the school. After the training of priests there is no work so dear to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary than the Christian education of young souls.

Historical Snapshot of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St. Andrew's Church, Melbourne, Victoria

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St. Andrew's Church, Melbourne, Victoria was started by Fr. Augustine Cummins, CSSR (1915-2006). 

The indefatigable Redemptorists wrote this in his memoir:

"The church in Hampton used to be St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, but became redundant when the Presbyterians joined the Uniting Church. It still bears the Cross of St Andrew in the brickwood on the frontwall. We successfully negotiated a lease of the church and the adjacent hall for $150 a week in October 1980, and continued leasing it during the next four years when the Uniting Church authorities notified us that they intended selling it. They offered the whole complex (church and hall) to us for $180,000. Since we (the Latin Mass Society), at that time, were not in a position to buy it, I passed the offer on to Fr Hogan, who was at that time the District Superior of the Society of St Pius X. 

The Society eventually decided to buy it for $150,000. I agreed to remain on as a parish priest until the Society had enough priests available to take it over. They took possession of the complex in October 1985. 

Fr Cummins left Hampton in October 1985. He recalled:

"The SSPX finally took over the Hampton complex and Fr Frank Peek moved in"

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and St. Andrew's Church, Melbourne, Victoria

Reference:

The Story of the Life of Fr. Augustine Cummins, CSSR: Taken from his Recollections and Photographs

A Life in the Service of Catholic Tradition: An Interview with Rev Fr Augustine Cummins CSSR

Historical Snapshot of Our Lady Help of Christians, Star of the Sea Church

Our Lady Help of Christians, Star of the Sea Church in Perth WA was established by Fr. Augustine Cummins, CSSR (1915-2006). 

The indefatigable Redemptorists wrote this in his memoir:

"For $45,000, the traditional Catholics of Perth bought an old, badly run-down Anglican Church in Jolimony, which needed a lot of repairs and renovations as well as certain additions. For that reason it could not be used immediately. However, Br Alban and I decided to cross over to the West in order to direct operations. We departed from Adelaide 17 March 1986 by car and trailer, and arrived in Perth three days later on the 20th. Two of my parishioners in Adelaide drove a furniture van filled with our belongings."

 When Fr Cummins and Br Alban arrived in Jollimont in 20 March 1986, they offered hospitality by Miss Diane Fox and the Roselles gave them the use of a house where he offered a Mass the next day. Fr Cummins recounted:

"Brother and I spent the next two years living in a flat in Curry St, about five minutes' walk from the church (disused Anglican Church, St. Hugh's) while it was being renovated and extended."

He further said:

"The altar had been given to me by the Christian Brothers in Melbourne; initially I used it at Wongarra"

After the renovation of the church was completed, the first Mass was said:

" I said the first Holy Mass (Maundy Thursday) in the church (Our Lady Help of Christians, Star of the Sea) in Jolimont in 1988. 

Interestingly, Fr Cummins remembered how Divine Providence worked out for them:

"Br Alban recalls a local gentleman coming into the sacristy afterwards to donate $5000"

Fr Cummins was able to provide daily Mass and the sacraments at Jolimont for his little congregation until it soon grew to about 90 faithful for Sunday Mass. Archbishop Hickey of Perth even gave Fr Cummins permission to what he was doing even though he was working in conjunction withbthe SSPX.

Fr Augustine Cummins, CSSR and Br Alban, FMS

Interior of the Our Lady of Christians, Star of the Sea Church

Fr Augustine Cummins, CSSR and Br Alban during a low mass

Our Lady Help of Christians, Star of the Sea Church

References:

The Story of the Life of Fr. Augustine Cummins, CSSR: Taken from his Recollections and Photographs

A Life in the Service of Catholic Tradition: An Interview with Rev Fr Augustine Cummins, CSSR