Bishop opens Door of Hope at St John of God Bunbury Hospital

22 Apr 2025

Bishop George Kolodziej and St John of God Bunbury Hospital CEO Jack Harding cut the cake to celebrate the blessing of the Door of Hope with caregivers and community members. Photo: Michelle Tan

Bishop George Kolodziej explained that the Door of Hope is being celebrated in harmony with the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, as proclaimed by Pope Francis.

The special liturgical service and Mass on Thursday 27 March was attended by St John of God Bunbury Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jack Harding, St John of God Health Care Trustees Mark Murphy and Rev Dr Joseph Parkinson as well as hospital caregivers.

Speaking before the service and Mass Mr Harding said it was an honour for our hospital to be part of this important celebration. He thanked the South-West Catholic communities for coming together in support of this event.

“The occasion is a beautiful reinforcement of our St John of God Health Care Mission and Values,” Mr Harding said.

“The blessing of the Door of Hope offers hope, dignity and grace to those patients and families in our care, as our Chapel continues to provide a place of sanctuary, support and reflection,” he said.

St John of God Bunbury Hospital caregivers and volunteers met in the conference room for speeches before proceeding to view the blessing of the door and entering the chapel for Mass. 

“A hospital is a place where human weakness and divine love meet. Those who enter here often carry burdens of illness, anxiety, or the weight of caring for a loved one,” Bishop Kolodziej said.

“Through this Holy Door, we declare a profound truth: Christ Himself walks these corridors. He is present in the sick who long for healing.

“He is present in the doctors and nurses who serve with dedication. And He is present in every visitor who brings comfort, prayers, and love,” he said.

“The Jubilee Year of Hope reminds us that God’s mercy is always open to us, like a door that never closes,” Bishop Kolodziej said.

“When we enter this hospital, let us remember that hope is not merely wishful thinking, it is a promise embedded in faith. Every step taken towards the sick is a step towards Christ Himself,” he said.

“May this be a place where hope is rekindled, grace is received, and all will indeed be well in God’s time,” Bishop Kolodziej said.

Members of the Bunbury Catholic College student choir and St Mary MacKillop College Busselton students also performed during the Mass.