BISHOP John Gerry has described Brisbane archdiocese’s Catholic Psychiatric Pastoral Care as a “world first” in a homily given during the ministry’s silver jubilee and Annual Healing Mass last weekend.
The bishop, now retired, also paid tribute to CPPC’s founders – Fr Jim Smith and Janine De Maria – at the Mass celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley, last Saturday morning.
“Behind every great man is a great woman,” the bishop told the packed church.
“Certainly, we have many examples in our Church history of holy men and women working together, supporting one another, to do great things for people in the name of God, and inspiring followers.”
Among those mentioned were St Paul and Lydia in Philippi, St Clare and St Francis in Assisi and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods.
He suggested Fr Smith and Mrs De Maria as a further example in modern-day Brisbane, through what they had achieved at CPPC.
Bishop Gerry, who as the archdiocese’s Vicar for Social Response was involved in CPPC’s early days, said “my dearest desire was that the compassionate face of Christ should shine through the ‘face of the Church’ at every level”.
“CPPC has been true to that vision.”
Bishop Gerry was principal celebrant at the Mass which also marked the feast day of St Dympna (patron saint of those with mental illness).
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was also celebrated.
The Mass was concelebrated by 12 priests including CPPC chaplain Fr Smith.
All the priests had been involved in various capacities with the ministry.
More than 90 CPPC pastoral carers and many members, some connected to the ministry’s beginning in 1987, were also present.
Also among those attending were Disability Services Queensland Mental Health Branch director Ivan Frkovic and Senator Claire Moore.
Among CPPC consultant psychiatrists present were Dr Marion Sullivan and husband Dr John Varghese, Dr Michael Martin and University of Queensland Associate Professor Dr Ken Pakenham.
Centacare Brisbane’s executive director Peter Selwood and council chair Margaret Vider also attended. CPPC operates under the Centacare umbrella.
Bishop Gerry, in his homily, said “mental illness leaves people vulnerable, open to exploitation, subject to abuse and humiliation, restless, in need of continuing protection, even from themselves, yet each one is a precious human being, created by God in love, redeemed by Christ and destined for eternal glory”.
“We thank God, for the generosity of spirit of the many priests, religious and laity who have acted as pastoral carers, prepared for their demanding and precious ministry, through what I have heard described as ‘our excellent program of foundation’,” he said.
“For this we acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the team of professional psychiatrists who, right from the early days, with Janine, have given CPPC the benefit of their expertise, wisdom and experience.
“The team was further enriched by the participation of archdiocesan Centacare, the Community Mental Health Branch and a faithful, generous group of benefactors.
“And let’s not forget the participation of the members who themselves have contributed their own unique gifts.”
Speaking of Fr Smith and Mrs De Maria’s contribution, Bishop Gerry said they had “founded a world-first in psychiatric pastoral care”.
“The Tablet (a British Catholic weekly magazine) some years after the foundation of CPPC, ran an article hailing as a ‘world first’ an initiative in England similar though not as comprehensive as ours.
“Sorry”, Bishop Gerry said. “This claim must go to CPPC.”
The bishop also congratulated Fr Smith, Mrs De Maria and the CPPC team for their continued focus on a Christian spirit and “God-centred ethos”.
“The divine DNA is in each of us,” he told the congregation.
“It is to be respected at all times.
“Jesus is our brother and he warns us: ‘Whatever you do to the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you do to me’.”
Before the Mass’ conclusion, Fr Smith and Mrs De Maria were presented with a timber plaque in honour of their 25 years’ dedication to CPPC.
The Mass was followed with a barbecue for all members, pastoral carers and supporters.
Speaking after the Mass, Mrs De Maria said the day had been “a wondrous celebration of 25 years beginning with Bishop John celebrating the Mass”.
“All the wondrous reconnecting also made the day very joyful … being able to thank people for being part of our journey was very humbling.”
Fr Smith said “people are often strangely surprised that the psychiatric ministry does things so well”.
“This is due to the total CPPC team effort – the Eucharistic banquet, the free earthly banquet and the boundless hospitality of the day capped all that had gone before,” he said.
“God has already provided for CPPC but for our silver jubilee, His providence has easily excelled all we have experienced.”
Fr Smith spoke of many noteworthy highlights on the day including “meetings with members, pastoral carers and families from the ministry’s earliest days and those who had fundraised when we had nothing”.
He was particularly impressed with hostel pastoral carers who worked so hard to get so many of the residents whom they visit each week along to the Annual Healing Mass.
Also “very special was the presence of Mercy Sister Julia Chambers, our first pastoral carer”, he said.
“She said of the day in her inimitable Irish way: ‘It was grand’.
“That said it all.”
