Religion Timeline

  • First Mass in Australia

    The first fleet arrives in Australia. The first mass in Australia is thought to have happened this year.
  • First Public Mass Led By Father Dixon

    Fr Dixon led the first public mass in Australia.
  • Arrival of the Prefect-Apostolic of New Holland

    Fr Jeremiah O'Flynn arrives in Australia under the title Prefect-Apostolic of New Holland
  • New Official Priests Arrive In Australia

    Frs. Therry and Conolly are the first official priests to arrive in Australia
  • First Church in Australia

    The first church is constructed in Richmond, Tasmania
  • First Catholic Bishop

    Bede Polding becomes Australia's first Catholic bishop.
  • Caroline Chisholm Arrives In Australia

    Caroline Chisholm arrives in Australia
  • St Vincent's Hospital Opens

    St Vincent's Hospital opens in Sydney
  • St Mary's Cathedral Burns Down

    St Mary's Cathedral was destroyed by fire.
  • The Sisters of St Joseph are founded

    Mary McKillop and Fr. Julian Tenison Woods found Sisters of St. Joseph
  • St Patrick's Cathedral

    St Patrick's Cathedral has finished construction in Ballarat
  • First Permanent St. Vincent De Paul Society

    The First Permanent St. Vincent De Paul Society is established in Australia
  • Newman College Opens

    Newman College opens as part of the University of Melbourne.
  • New Australian Cardinal

    Archbishop Gilroy becomes first Australian Cardinal
  • State Aid To Catholic Schools

    Catholic schools receive state aid.