On Sunday 22 March 2026, the Catholic community in Albany gathered for a moment that had been generations in the making. St Joseph's Church, Albany was formally declared the first Diocesan Shrine for the Diocese of Bunbury - a recognition that affirms what so many in the community have long known: this is a place where faith endures, and where people come to seek hope.
The Elevation Mass, celebrated by Bishop George Kolodziej SDS DD and led locally by Parish Priest Fr Vincent Comple OSJ, brought together clergy, pilgrims and visitors from across the diocese to mark the occasion. It was the culmination of a weekend of prayer, reflection and celebration that honoured both the history of the Church in Albany and the beginning of this new chapter.
A weekend of prayer and pilgrimage
The celebrations unfolded across three days. Friday opened with a Holy Hour and Mass celebrated by Bishop George. On Saturday, pilgrims walked through Albany retracing the history of the Catholic Church in the region, before gathering for Mass and fellowship. Sunday's Elevation Mass brought the weekend to a close, followed by a community celebration of this important milestone.
A sign of hope and guidance
In his homily, Bishop George reflected on St Joseph as a model of quiet, faithful strength, and on the significance of the shrine as a place where people can seek hope and direction.
"St Joseph teaches us that true strength is not about power or status," he said. "Real strength is faithfulness, humility, courage and responsibility."
The Bishop expressed a particular hope that the shrine would draw young people discerning their path in life, describing St Joseph as someone who "understands the struggles of responsibility, work and decision-making."
With Albany marking its bicentenary year, Bishop George offered a fitting image of what the shrine represents for the community: "Across Albany we see lights shining during this anniversary year. Today we add another light - a spiritual light - a place where people can come to pray and be gently led to Christ."
His message to those seeking direction was simple and direct: "If you are confused, struggling, or searching - go to St Joseph. He will always lead you to Jesus."
"Real strength is faithfulness, humility, courage and responsibility.'
Bishop George Kolodziej, Bishop of Bunbury
A faith story shaped over generations
The roots of Catholic life in Albany run deep. In 1838, the first Catholic Mass in Western Australia was celebrated at what is now known as Mass Rocks, overlooking Princess Royal Harbour. As the community grew, Albany's parish was established and St Joseph's Church was blessed and dedicated in 1878.
Nearly 150 years later, the parish continues to serve the spiritual and practical needs of the community through worship, education and outreach. The presence of ministries such as St Joseph's Lodge reflects an enduring commitment to care and accompaniment across all stages of life.
The designation of St Joseph's as a Diocesan Shrine is both an affirmation of that history and an invitation - to pilgrims, to the faithful, and to those still searching - to encounter something lasting within its walls.
Supporting the mission of the Bunbury Diocese
CDF was proud to be part of celebrating this significant milestone in the life of the local Church. Through partnerships across education, health, aged care and social services, CDF works alongside Catholic organisations across the Diocese of Bunbury and beyond — helping to strengthen communities and support the mission that moments like this one embody so well.
View the Shrine of St Josephs Mass: Shrine of St Joseph's Event at St Joseph's Church 22/3/26
Mass Booklet: Shrine of St Joseph Order of Service Booklet_for emailing
Share this article:
Related articles
CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has indemnified the Catholic Development Fund ABN 15 274 943 760 (the Fund) against any liability arising out of a claim by investors in the Fund. In practice, this means your investment is backed by the assets of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. The Fund is required by law to make the following disclosure. Investment in the Fund is only intended to attract investors whose primary purpose for making their investment is to support the charitable purposes of the Fund. Investors’ funds will be used to generate a return to the Fund that will be applied to further the charitable works of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Dioceses of Sale and Bunbury. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by ASIC. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and investments in the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed here or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
