The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1919-02-01
CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
CENTENARY OF ESTABLISHMENT
OF CATHOLiClTY THERE is RE-
CALLED WITH FITTING CELE-
BRATION.

The first centenary of the Catholic
Faith in Australia, and of the miracu-
lous preservation of the Blessed Sac
rameat in a cottage owned by Will
liam Davis, from 1918 to 1920. was
celebrated recently at ST. Patrick's,
Church Hill, Sydney. The occasion
had an Australian significance, says
the Catholic Advocate. The Apos-
tolic Delegate and Hierarchy joined in
the jubilations, and every State was
represented.
The Archbishop recalled the touch
ing story of the arrest and deporta-
ton of the only priest in Australia
100 years ago, and of how, being I'M
able to return for the Blessed Sacra-
ment, he left it there in the house of
Mr.. Davis, whittier for two years the
little flock went Sunday after Sunday
to pour out before the humble taber-
nacle their prayers and the deepest
feelings of their loving, afflicted
hearts.
Rev. P. J. Sheehy, preaching on the
subject of the day, said Lord Corn
wallis had told them in his letters
that the determination of the Irish
people was contemplated by the au-
thorities.
THE first Catholics in this coun-
try" continued Father Sheehy, were
victims of this intolerable brutality in
Ireland. When Father jeremiah Flynn
arrived here in 1917 the Irish exiles
numbered between 5000 and 5000.
The struggle for justice was long and
bitter
Early in 1903 the Governor broke
away from the tradition of perse-
cutting Catholics, and allowed Father
Dixon to exercise the office of his
ministry, but after short period the
permission was revoked, and Catho-
lies were ordered to attend the serv-
ices of the Protestant Church, under
the penalty of being logged.
Mr.. William Davis, the donor of the
site upon which st. Patrick's Church
stands, was, according to the testi-
mony of DR.. Ullathorne, repeatedly
fOgged, and put into black hole, and
otherwise punished, because h re-
fused to attend that service
In those days there arrived from
Rome young Irish priest, Father
Jeremiah Flynn, who, learning of the
spiritual restitution of his country
men in far-off Australia, determined
to go to their aid, and give his life
in their service. BY some paltry,
miserable plea he was denied official
recognition by the English authori-
ties, but as Father Flynn only re-
garded recognition as matter o.
form, he was not deferred, and sailed
for Australia, arriving in Sydney in
1917.
Father Sheehy described the harsh
treatment which Father Flynn was
subjected to by the authorities, his ar
rest and deportation, and how he was
compelled to leave the Blessed Sacra-
ment in William Davis cottage, where
it remained wonderfully preserved
rom 1918 to 1920, until the arrival of
Fathers Therry and Connolly.
The preacher said this shameful
treatment of Father Flynn was the
means of bringing about a more Just
treatment of the Catholics by the
Government, and, forced by public
opinion, it permitted the two priests.
Fathers Therry and Connolly, to visit
the Colonies. The Church then began
to make progress. and in 1910 the
foundation-stone of st. Patrick's
Church was laid. Today more than
one-fourth of the population of Aus.
.ralia is Catholic.
Always held fast to love; we win