History of the Church

  • La Perouse

    La perouse enters Botany Bay and his chaplain, abbe mones, celebrates the first mass within Australian territory
  • Irish

    First Irish convicts transported to Botany Bay
  • Arrival in Sydney

    Father John Therry and Father Philip Clonally arrive in Sydney
  • Lands in Sydney

    Father Daniel Power lands in Sydney to replace Father Therry
  • Chapel

    St Mary chapel completed
  • Bishop

    The first bishop John B. Polding
  • Fire

    Fire destroys St Marys Cathedral
  • Mary and the Sisters

    Mary MacKillop is recommunicated into the church and the sisters are permitted to continue their work
  • WWI

    World War 1 declared. Catholics become influential in the Australian Labor party
  • Prime Minister

    James Scullin becomes Australia's first catholic prime minister
  • Schools

    Catholic schools are overwhelmed by the demand
  • Mass

    Mass changes from Latin to English
  • Rome

    Rome declares that Australia is no longer a mission country
  • Mourn

    Thousands mourn the death of Cardinal Freeman
  • Pope John

    Pope John Paul visits Australia for the first time.
  • St Marys

    St marys Cathedral is renovated
  • Pope Benedict

    Pope Benedict XVI first visits Australia when the Archdiocese of Sydney hosts World Youth Day.