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Iconic Cathedral host Covid clinic, returns after Christmas

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Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB being interviewed by local media at the launch of the Covid vaccination clinic, set up over two weeks at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Perth. Photo: Michelle Tan.

By Amanda Murthy

Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is ‘an act of love’ that will demonstrate “not just our concern for ourselves, but for those around us, for our families, our wider community, and the healthcare workers,” reiterated Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, at the launch of a two-week covid vaccination clinic.

The vaccination clinic was held at St Mary’s Cathedral parish centre last weekend Saturday 18 December, and on Sunday 19 December from 12pm to 6pm, receiving positive response from the community.

The clinic will reopen for a second weekend Saturday, 8 January, from 12pm to 6pm and on Sunday 9 January from 9am to 2pm.

Archbishop Costelloe said that the position of the Archdiocese of Perth, echoes the teachings of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church – that ultimately, there is no moral objection to receiving this vaccine.

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Royal Perth Hospital staff setting up the Covid vaccination clinic at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Perth. The clinic operated on 18 and 19 December, with availability on the weekend of 8 and 9 January. Photo: Michelle Tan.

“There is some part of the community that is concerned that because the very early days of the development or the early discoveries which later led to the vaccines, there was some involvement of cells derived from aborted children. And of course, the Catholic church’s position on Abortion is very clear,” Archbishop Costelloe cited.  

“Initially there was some confusion, and some people were wondering if it was legitimate for Catholics to get the vaccine. But both Pope Francis and then the official body of Rome who answers these kinds of questions gave a very authoritative statement that there is no moral objection to receiving this vaccine.

“Because of the remote nature of the origins of it and of the need to have it for the common good,” His Grace added.

“In our Catholic approach of things, we are not just about what I want, what’s best for me, what my rights are, we have a fundamental principle that we make decisions based on what is right for the common good.”

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Many from the community showed up to receive their Covid jabs at St Mary’s Cathedral parish centre on the weekend 18 and 19 December. Photo: Michelle Tan.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral Dean Rev Dr Sean Fernandez explained that the Cathedral’s long-standing connection with Royal Perth Hospital and the Archdiocese’s ministry towards various groups of the community, is another reason why supporting the public with the availability of the vaccination clinic, was a vital way to lead by example.

“The priests here received our injections earlier because we minister to the sick in the hospital. Last year we visited Covid patients. We know how terrible this disease can be and know the importance of being vaccinated,” Rev Dr Fernandez said.

“We also minister to various groups in the community - We have a lot of the homeless that come to us for help with food parcels and things and we spread the word about the clinic.

“With the Cathedral located right in the city center and our priests walk across to the hospital and we try and support their healthcare staff here. So apart from reaching out, it is also a good sign to Royal Perth that we are right behind them,” he added.

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St Mary’s Cathedral Rev Dr Sean Fernandez (pictured) said that the Cathedral’s long-standing connection with Royal Perth Hospital and the Archdiocese’s ministry towards various groups of the community, is another reason why supporting the public with the availability of the vaccination clinic, was a vital way to lead by example. Photo: Michelle Tan.

“We have seen for ourselves how much pressure COVID has put on the hospital when it was here. They carried on so professionally and so marvelously but there is a lot of pressure on them. We want to really show them that we are right behind them, that we value their work.”

Anyone due for their first dose, second dose and booster of the COVID-19 vaccination may visit the St Mary’s Cathedral covid clinic located at the parish centre on Saturday, 8 January, from 12pm to 6pm and on Sunday 9 January from 9am to 2pm.