Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church
History
In 1952, the property at the corner of Bentley and Erasmus Streets was purchased by Fr Timothy Fitzpatrick, Parish Priest of Our Holy Redeemer Parish, Surrey Hills. This property consisted of a large two storey house, a coach house and stable, and an acre and a half of land. In 1954, the coach house and stable were converted into the Church of Our Lady of
Perpetual Succour, and Mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve, appropriately, in the “stable”. Read more…
Patron Saint
The feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour is celebrated on 27 June.
The traditional icon, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, believed to have been painted in the thirteenth century, represents Mary the Mother of God comforting the Child Jesus while the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, hovering in the upper corners, hold the instruments of the Passion. St Michael (in the left corner) holds the spear, the wine-soaked sponge, and the crown of thorns. St Gabriel (in the right corner) holds the cross and the nails.
Today, the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour hangs above the main altar in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome, Italy.
Catholic Chinese Community Melbourne
The Catholic Chinese Community of Melbourne (CCCM) is located at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, where they share facilities with the parish. The church serves as the permanent venue for Mass and other liturgies, sacraments, and social events for the Cantonese-speaking community in Melbourne. Fr James Areechira SVD is their Chaplain.
Founded in 1985, the Catholic Chinese Community of Melbourne has evolved from a small Cantonese group meeting annually into a vibrant community of 500 families, with its own Chaplain and weekly Masses in Cantonese.
Learn more about the activities of the Catholic Chinese Community of Melbourne. Read more…
Our Lady's Primary School, Surrey Hills
Our Lady’s Primary School was first opened in 1957 by Bishop Fox. With the exception of the brickwork, all other work was completed by the parishioners. The school continues to operate as an integral part of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish.
Our Lady’s is a nurturing and positive school, with an emphasis on creating a welcoming and safe environment, where children are not only cared for, but also encouraged to achieve academic excellence. The school’s website provides further information about this welcoming community.
Parish Priests at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
| 1955 – 1968 | Fr John Kelly |
| 1968 – 1982 | Fr Patrick O’Connor |
| 1982 – 1986 | Fr Tom Mulligan |
| 1986 – 1998 | Fr Ron Merrick |
| 1998 – 2005 | Fr Peter Priestley |
| 2005 – 2010 | Dr Anthony Hicks |
| 2011 – 2017 | Fr John Dowling |
| 2017 – 2020 | Fr Mark Reynolds |
| 2020 – 2024 | Fr Brendan Reed (Our Lady of Pentecost Parish in October 2024) |
| 2024 – continuing | Fr Sang Ho (Our Lady of Pentecost Parish) |