Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
The largest Archdiocese in Australia, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has a rich history of faith and service.
The Archdiocese of Melbourne spans roughly 200 kilometres by 160 kilometres. This region includes 232 parishes, and is home to 369 diocesan priests, almost 300 priests in religious orders, 200 religious brothers and in excess of 1300 religious sisters. There are also three seminaries for religious clergy and one diocesan seminary, Corpus Christi College.
St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne
The spiritual home of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, St Patrick’s is a striking Gothic Revival-style cathedral, established in the mid-1800s and restored in 1997. St Patrick’s is known for its beautiful stain-glass windows and impressive pipe organ, which enhances the liturgical celebrations held there throughout the year.
St Francis’ Church, Melbourne
Established in 1841, St Francis’ was the first Catholic Church in Melbourne, and was the place where Blessed Mary MacKillop was baptised.
Find out more about the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne - www.melbourne.catholic.org.au
Birthplace of Mary MacKillop
Blessed Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in East Melbourne, just a short walk north of St Patrick’s Cathedral.
With the support of Pope Pius IX and the approval of Pope Leo XIII, Mary MacKillop began the religious order, the Sisters of St Joseph. Taking the name Mother Mary of the Cross, she led the nuns in forming primary schools for children who otherwise would not receive an education. The sisters also offered aid to the outcast; orphans, the poor, women in need, and the elderly.
Blessed Mary MacKillop died in 1909 and is buried in North Sydney.
