Could this famous architect-turned-priest be named WA's first saint?

The potential sainthood of Monsignor John Cyril Hawes, a figure known for his dual careers as a celebrated architect and a Catholic priest, is currently being explored, with the aim of naming him Western Australia's first saint. Monsignor Hawes, who spent approximately 24 years in the region, left an indelible mark on Western Australia's Midwest, with numerous holy buildings scattered throughout the area.

Originally from England, Hawes had a varied career, working in the Bahamas and traveling to America before settling back in the Bahamas. Now, seven decades after his death, the Diocese of Geraldton is actively pursuing his canonization. An archivist has recently traveled internationally to interview individuals who knew Monsignor Hawes, gathering testimonies to support the case.

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I think he's a remarkable character for a number of reasons, the fact that he was such an ordinary bloke in a lot of ways but also was an Anglican who started off as an architect … then converted to Catholicism and became a priest

Among his most notable works in Western Australia is the St Francis Xavier's Cathedral in Geraldton. Monsignor Hawes, born in 1876 into a middle-class Anglican family, developed a passion for architecture before converting to Catholicism later in life. His architectural contributions in the Midwest include significant buildings in towns like Geraldton and Mullewa, such as Our Lady of Mt Carmel.

Perth Catholic Church archivist and historian Odhran O'Brien is leading the research, describing Monsignor Hawes's life as "remarkable." O'Brien noted Hawes's unique path: starting as an "ordinary bloke," an Anglican who became an architect, and then converting to Catholicism to become a priest. O'Brien emphasized Hawes's "mission" to construct holy buildings for regional communities, driven by a profound passion for architecture and a desire to serve local needs by providing places for gathering. He built these churches using local materials in the arts and crafts style, emphasizing resourcefulness.

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Monsignor Hawes had an absolute passion for architecture and he felt it was part of his mission in life. He was living out his faith by building these churches [and] responding to the needs of the local community to provide them with a place to gather.