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More than 350 Members, Volunteers, Staff and community members came together at St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth on Saturday morning for a special anniversary Mass that concluded celebrations of the St Vincent de Paul Society of WA’s incredible 160-year history of serving West Australians in need.

Mass concludes 160th anniversary celebrations

Led by Bishop Donald Sproxton VG as the head celebrant, the mass began with a welcome from the Society’s WA State President Danny Cloghan.
Following the introduction was a blessing of three items that hold special symbolism to the Society, each of which were brought forward by – the rule book, which was brought forward by Busselton Conference President Maria Parkinson; a food hamper presented by Manager of Financial Counselling Services Suzanne Long and a bag of clothing presented by Vinnies Retail Manager Joy Lilley.
Also recognised at the mass were 78 Members and Staff who have served 25 years or more at the Society.
Each individual received a special ‘160th Anniversary Milestone’ award which was presented by Youth Engagement Coordinator Hannah Taylor.
Among those to receive an award were Paul Hyman from the City Beach/Scarborough area who is the longest-serving Member having been part of the WA Society for 62 years, and Retail Manager Nancy Doust, who has served for 44 years in the Vinnies Shop in Geraldton.
Choirs from the Sacred Heart Parish in Thornlie and Good Shepherd Parish in Lockridge came together to perform hymns during the mass, with WA Society’s Vice President Cathy Gawen and Member Vivian D’Almeida among those to give a reading.
As the mass came to a close, thanks were given to those who made the celebrations possible including CEO Ann Curran and staff at Ozanam House, the 160th Anniversary Organising Committee and State Council, Sister Kerry Willison, the Marketing team and archivist Pauline McIntyre who was commended for her thoughtful planning of anniversary events, including the curation of the 160 photographic exhibition.
Upon leaving, guests were reminded that while the WA Society’s 160-year milestone marks an extraordinary legacy, it simply highlighted the organisation’s continued role in serving West Australians in need with compassion, courage, and commitment.

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