History of the Church in Australia Timeline - key events

By Royals
  • First mass within Australian territory

    First mass within Australian territory

    La Perouse enters Botany Bay and his chaplain, Abbe Mones, celebrates the first
    Mass within Australian territory
  • First official public mass in parramatta

    First official public mass in parramatta

  • Father John Therry and father phillip colony arrive in sydney as Australia's first ever priests.

    Father John Therry and father phillip colony arrive in sydney as Australia's first ever priests.

  • Father Therry removed from his role of colonies official chaplin

    Father Therry removed from his role of colonies official chaplin

    Due to a misunderstanding in the press, Fr. Therry was removed from his official situation as chaplain and his salary withdrawn
  • Fr. John Mcecroe appointed official chaplin of Australia

    Fr. John Mcecroe appointed official chaplin of Australia

  • St. Mary's chapel completed

    St. Mary's chapel completed

  • Father James quinn becomes first bishop of brisbane

    Father James quinn becomes first bishop of brisbane

  • The nsw government passes a bill to abolish state aid to religion

    The nsw government passes a bill to abolish state aid to religion

  • Fire destroys st. marys cathedral

    Fire destroys st. marys cathedral

  • Mary Mackillop and father Julian Tenison Woods found the sisters of st. Joseph

    Mary Mackillop and father Julian Tenison Woods found the sisters of st. Joseph

  • Mary Mackillop dies

    Mary Mackillop dies

  • James sculling becomes australia's first ever prime minister

    James sculling becomes australia's first ever prime minister

  • Pope Benedict XVI makes his first visit to australia when the archdiocese of sydney hosts world youth day.

    Pope Benedict XVI makes his first visit to australia when the archdiocese of sydney hosts world youth day.

  • The Holy Father Pope Francis appoints George Cardinal Pell as Prefect of the new Secretariat for the Economy. The Most Rev Anthony Fisher is appointed as the ninth Archbishop of Sydney.

    The Holy Father Pope Francis appoints George Cardinal Pell as Prefect of the new Secretariat for the Economy. The Most Rev Anthony Fisher is appointed as the ninth Archbishop of Sydney.