Australian Catholic Education in the 19th

By andrew25638

  • 1820: Arrival of First Official Catholic Priests

    Fr Philip Conolly and Fr John Therry arrive as official chaplains

  • 1821: First Catholic School

    The first Catholic school in Australia was founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry and run by convict and lay person George Marley.

  • 1835: First Catholic Bishop

    John Bede Polding is appointed the first Catholic bishop of Australia. He arrives in Sydney in 1835 and begins organising the Catholic Church in Australia.

  • 1838: Caroline Chisholm's Arrival

    Caroline Chisholm, a prominent Catholic laywoman, arrives in Australia and begins her work supporting immigrant women and families, contributing significantly to the social welfare initiatives of the Church.

  • 1842: Diocese of Sydney Elevated

    The Diocese of Sydney is elevated to an archdiocese, and John Bede Polding becomes the first Archbishop of Sydney.

  • 1843: St. Mary's Cathedral Foundation Stone

    The foundation stone of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney is laid. This becomes the central place of worship for Catholics in Australia.

  • 1845: Arrival of the Sisters of Charity

    The Sisters of Charity, the first group of religious women, arrive in Sydney. They begin their work in education and healthcare.

  • 1857: First Plenary Council

    The first Plenary Council of the Catholic Church in Australia is held in Sydney, attended by bishops and clergy to discuss issues facing the Church.

  • 1865: St. Vincent de Paul Society

    The St. Vincent de Paul Society, a lay Catholic organisation dedicated to serving the poor, is established in Australia.

  • 1866: Establishment of the Sisters of St. Joseph

    Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods establish the Sisters of St. Joseph in Penola, South Australia, focusing on education and charitable works.

  • 1871: Mary MacKillop Excommunicated

    Mary MacKillop is excommunicated by Bishop Sheil of Adelaide due to disagreements over the governance of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The excommunication is lifted in 1872.

  • 1872: Catholic Education Developments

    Following the 1872 Education Act in Victoria, which makes education free, secular, and compulsory, the Catholic Church begins to establish its own network of schools to provide religious education.