Today, we gathered at Wadeye to give thanks to God for a truly special milestone — the 90th anniversary of the first Mass celebrated here at Port Keats (Wadeye).
It was on 23 June 1935 that Fr Richard Docherty MSC celebrated that very first Mass, right on the beach at the Old Mission site. A remarkable photo taken by Dr Bill Stanner captured this historic moment — a small gathering of Aboriginal people, MSC Brothers, and lay missionaries, beginning what would become a deep and enduring relationship of faith, community, and service.
As we celebrated Mass today at the Old Mission, we remembered with gratitude the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, lay missionaries, educators, healthcare workers, and especially the local Aboriginal communities who have shared and sustained the life of this Church for nine decades.
We give thanks for the many who have gone before us, and we pray that God will continue to bless this community as it continues its journey of faith, hope, and love.
May we always honour the sacred trust handed down to us — walking together as brothers and sisters, one family in Christ.
+Charles Gauci