26 May 2021
On Monday 24 May, all parishes connected to a Catholic School across the Diocese of Broken Bay celebrated Mass in their local parish simultaneously with Catholic communities across the country to mark 200 years of Catholic education in Australia.
Bishop Anthony Randazzo, celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara.
“Today is an opportunity to give thanks to God for the countless lay men and women, religious sisters and brothers, priests and people, who have worked with the bishops in this country for 200 years so that generations of children have had access to an excellent, well rounded education, forming minds, hearts, and souls,” said Bishop Anthony.
“My sisters and brothers, we must recognise that our Catholic School community depends upon the vitality and curiosity of our young people; the fidelity and dedication of our parents; the wisdom and excellence of our teachers; and the service and leadership of our clergy. Catholic Education is the work and mission of the community of the Church.”
Celebrations are continuing for 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first ‘official’ Catholic school opened in Parramatta in October 1820.
National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins said the National Mass was a highlight of the bicentenary year.
“As a faith community, our National Mass to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education holds significant meaning, particularly on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians - the Patroness of Australia,” Ms Collins said.
“The scale of Catholic education in Australia is unique in Our Lady of the Rosary students at the Bicentenary Mass at the Cathedral St Leo’s students at the Bicentenary celebrations the world, serving over 777,000 students and employing over 100,000 staff.
“We are blessed to have the support of governments and our families that ensures we can make a Catholic education accessible to families in every major town and city, and in many regional, rural and remote parts of Australia,” she said.
Masses were held with school representation in most Cathedrals across Australia, as well as a number of individual parishes and schools.
The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison provided a written and video message of congratulations to the Catholic education community for the occasion.
“To the Catholic schools, early learning centres and universities of Australia, congratulations on 200 wonderful years of teaching and learning!” said the Prime Minister. “I’m delighted to join you in celebrating this milestone.”
Background:
The bicentenary commemorates the anniversary of the first official Catholic school in Australia, founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry. The school, which Catholic historians believe was located on Hunter Street in Parramatta, taught 31 students.
This school was transferred to the site of the present St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1837 and was entrusted to the care of the Marist Brothers in 1875. Parramatta Marist High School, now located in Westmead and St Patrick’s Primary, Parramatta trace their origins back to this first school.
Over 200 years Catholic schools have educated millions of young people and today educate one in five Australian students.
For more information go to www.200years.catholic.edu.au