Timeline: Catholic Church in Australia | Timetoast

Jan 1, 1802

Foundation of Christian Brothers by Edmund Ignatius Rice, Ireland.

Edmund Ignatius Rice
Jan 1, 1803

First public Mass said by Fr. Dixon.

Fr. Dixon
Jan 1, 1835

John Bede Polding becomes Australia's first Catholic bishop.

John Bede Polding
Jan 1, 1836

Construction of first Catholic church at Richmond, Tasmania

First Catholic Church in Australia
Jan 1, 1848

The Catholic Church in Australia is divided into provinces and dioceses.

Province and Dioceses
Jun 29, 1865

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

St. Mary's Cathedral
Jan 1, 1866

Mary McKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods found Sisters of St. Joseph. Daniel Murphy appointed second Archbishop of Hobart.

Mary McKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods
Jan 1, 1868

Christian Brothers arrive in Melbourne. Re-building of St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney begins.

Christian Brothers Arrive in Melbourne
Jan 1, 1877

Roger William Bede Vaughan becomes Archbishop of Sydney.

Roger William Bede Vaughan
Jan 1, 1884

Patrick Francis Moran appointed Archbishop of Sydney.

Patrick Francis Moran
Jan 1, 1885

Archbishop Moran made Cardinal.

Patrick Francis Moran
Jan 1, 1909

Death of Mary McKillop.

Mary MacKillop
Jan 1, 1940

Norman Thomas Gilroy becomes Archbishop of Sydney.

Norman Thomas Gilary
Jan 1, 1946

Archbishop Gilroy becomes first Australian Cardinal.

Norman Thomas Gilary
Jan 1, 1970

Paul VI visits Australia, consecrates first Papuan-born Bishop.

Paul VI visits Australia
Jan 1, 1973

Paul VI establishes Maronite diocese in Australia. International Eucharistic Congress Melbourne.

Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maronite of Sydney
Jan 1, 1995

John Paul II visits Australia for Beatification of Mary McKillop.

Canonisation of Mary MacKillop
Jan 1, 1996

Appointment of George Pell as Archbishop of Melbourne.

George Pell
Jan 1, 2000

St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney completed.

St. Mary's Cathedral
Apr 2, 2005

Pope John Paul II dies at the age of 84. His funeral is broadcast to every corner of the globe through the modern media. Millions of Catholic pilgrims journey to Rome to pay final respects.

Pope John Paul II Death
Apr 19, 2005

Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger is elected by the College of Cardinals as Pope Benedict XVI, thus becoming the first Pope elected during the 21st century and the 3rd millennium.

Cardinal Joseph Alois Ratzinger becomes the new pope
Jul 1, 2008

Pope Benedict XVI participates in Sydney Australia in the World Youth Day and announces Spain as the country to host the next one.

World Youth Day 2008