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August 26, 1788
1788
The First Fleet arrives and Sydney is founded as a British convict settlement. Catholics are among the convicts and the soldiers.
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August 26, 2016
1803
Father James Dixon who arrived in 1800 celebrates the first Mass authorised by the government.
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August 26, 2016
1818
A choir is established by Catherine Fitzpatrick, which becomes the St Mary’s Choir.
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August 26, 2016
1820
The first officially appointed priests, Fathers Philip Conolly and John Joseph Therry arrive and funds are raised to build a chapel in the colony.
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August 26, 2016
1821
The foundation stone of the first St Mary's Chapel is laid by Gov. Macquarie and blessed by Fr Therry.
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August 26, 2016
1835
Sydney's first Catholic bishop, John Bede Polding OSB, arrives on September 13th, as Vicar Apostolic of New Holland. In 1842 Polding is installed as the first Archbishop of Sydney and thus St Mary’s Chapel is elevated to a Cathedral.
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August 26, 2016
1865
St Mary’s Cathedral is destroyed by fire.
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August 26, 2016
1868
The foundation stone of the present Cathedral is laid.
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August 26, 2016
1877
Roger Bede Vaughan OSB is appointed as the second Archbishop of Sydney.
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August 26, 2016
1882
Though unfinished, the Cathedral is open and dedicated.
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August 26, 2016
1900
The Cathedral is officially opened by Cardinal Moran.
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August 26, 2016
1928
The Cathedral, complete with south nave, is opened.
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August 26, 2016
1961
The refurbishment of the Crypt is completed
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August 26, 2016
1970
The first Pope to visit Australia, Pope Paul VI celebrates Mass in the Cathedral.
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August 26, 2016
1986
The peal of 14 bells is consecrated.
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August 26, 2016
2000
The southern spires are installed, complete from Wardell’s design.
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August 26, 2016
2008
Pope Benedict XVI visits Sydney for the 23rd World Youth Day. During the festival, Pope Benedict XVI dedicated a new Altar for the Cathedral.
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November 21, 2017
2010
Blessed Mary MacKillop is canonised in Rome and given the title of St Mary of the Cross, thus becoming Australia’s first Saint. Cardinal Pell unveils a statue of St Mary of the Cross at the Hyde Park entrance of the Cathedral.
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November 21, 2017
2014
Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Pell as the first ever Secretariat for the Economy at the Vatican. Bishop Anthony Fisher OP is appointed as the ninth Archbishop of Sydney on 18th September. His installation took place on November 12th.