Timeline of Catholic in Australia

By Shaian Elias

  • First Fleet's Arrival at Sydney Cove

    First Fleet's Arrival at Sydney Cove
    The First Fleet of 11 ships, commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip, set up a convict settlement at Sydney Cove (now Circular Quay) on 26 January 1788.

  • First Mass Was Said By Fr. Dixon

    First Mass Was Said By Fr. Dixon
    Fr James Dixon, Parramatta Pioneer - Fr James Dixon was a prisoner priest in the early Colony of New South Wales and said the first Mass sanctioned by the government. The proclamation was read at Government House, Parramatta, and the first Mass was celebrated in Sydney on 15 May 1803

  • Arrival of Caroline Chisholm

    Arrival of Caroline Chisholm
    In 1838, Caroline Chisholm arrived in New South Wales with her husband and children. She soon became horrified by the desperate situation of single emigrant women who were exploited when they first arrived.

  • St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney destroyed by fire

  • Mary McKillop and Fr. Julian Tension Woods Found Sisters of St. Joseph

  • Christian Brothers Arrive In Mebourne

    Christian Brothers arrive in Melbourne

  • Death of Ned Kelly

  • First permanent St. Vincent de Paul Society established in Australia

  • Federation of Australian States

  • Beginning of First World War

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral Melbourne completed

  • Archbishop Gilroy becomes first Australian Cardinal

  • Archbishop James Robert Knox appointed Archbishop of Melbourne

  • Paul VI establishes Maronite diocese in Australia

  • Opening of Corpus Christi seminary, Carlton