Catholicism in Australia

By AntonA
  • First Fleet Arrival

    First Fleet Arrival

    The first Catholics who arrived in Australia were the first fleet as one-tenth of all convicts were Catholic. The first mass held on Australian soil also probably happened, hosted by Fr. Receveur.
  • St. John's Catholic Church Established

    St. John's Catholic Church Established

    Found on the banks of the Coal River and nestled next to Australia’s oldest bridge is St John’s Catholic Church, the oldest still-functioning Catholic Church in Australia. Currently, Fr. Terry Rush still holds masses within this church for both locals and venturing tourists.
  • Archbishop John Polding

    Archbishop John Polding

    He was the first Archbishop of Sydney, and during his time he was able to divide Sydney territories into missionary districts where he swiftly provided them with priests, churches, and schools.
  • University of Sydney Established

    University of Sydney Established

    The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and is regarded as one of the world's leading universities. This school is not only a top-notch school in the academic field, but it also gives the students an opportunity to study for a degree in religious studies and become a lecturer in the field.
  • Establishment of the University of Melbourne

    Establishment of the University of Melbourne

    The University of Melbourne one of Australia's oldest universities and not only provides students with a prestigious education, but also gives students the opportunity to "grow closer to God and deepen their appreciation for the Catholic faith in all its spiritual, intellectual, and cultural dimensions."
  • St. Vincent de Paul Society Establishment

    St. Vincent de Paul Society Establishment

    Establishment of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Australia
  • St. Vincent's Hospital opens in Sydeny

    St. Vincent's Hospital opens in Sydeny

  • Mercy Sisters arrive in Queensland

    Mercy Sisters arrive in Queensland

    The Order of the Sisters of Mercy was established in Queensland when Mother Mary Vincent Whitty and a small group of other Sisters of Mercy accompanied Bishop James Quinn to the colony of Queensland. The Sisters of Mercy established schools, hospitals, and a home for unmarried mothers. They operated a number of out-of-home care facilities for children during the late nineteenth century and throughout the twentieth century.
  • St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney destroyed by fire

    St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney destroyed by fire

  • Death of Ned Kelly

    Death of Ned Kelly

    Being defiant against discrimination and corruption, Ned symbolized a Hero for common people that could not stand up for their own political concerns against law enforcement.
  • Death of Mary Mackillop

    Death of Mary Mackillop

    St. Mary Mackillop, also known as St. Mary of the Cross, dies in 1909. During her time alive she helped a lot of poor children while also educating them about the catholic church. She was also the first Australian to become a Saint.
  • Australian and New Zealand troops land at Gallipoli

    Australian and New Zealand troops land at Gallipoli

    Troops of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed north of Gaba Tepe (Kabat epée) headland, on a beach later called 'Anzac Cove'. The fight was between the Allied Nations and the Central Powers and it lasted for 10 months.
  • Foundation of the Knights of the Southern Cross

    Foundation of the Knights of the Southern Cross

  • Sydney Harbor Bridge Finished Construction

    Sydney Harbor Bridge Finished Construction

  • St. Patrick's Cathedral was Completed

    St. Patrick's Cathedral was Completed

  • Archbishop Gilroy becomes first Australian Cardinal

    Archbishop Gilroy becomes first Australian Cardinal

  • St Francis Cathedral Adelaide completed

    St Francis Cathedral Adelaide completed