Catholic Church History

  • Foundation of Christian Brothers by Edmund Ignatius Rice, Ireland

  • Frs. Therry and Conolly, the first official priests arrive

  • Bede Polding becomes Australia's first Catholic bishop

  • St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney destroyed by fire

  • Mary McKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods found Sisters of St. Joseph

  • Death of Mary McKillop

  • Monsignor Francois-Xavier Gsell appointed as Bishop of Darwin

  • 1987 John Paul II establishes a Melkite diocese in Australia

  • John Paul II visits Australia for Beatification of Mary McKillop

  • St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney completed