St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, welcomed Catholic schools from across the Archdiocese and special guests for a Mass and morning tea to celebrate the 200 Year Anniversary of Catholic Education in Australia.

Selina Walker, Archdiocesan Parents Council President, gave the Welcome to Country in Ngunnawal language.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse, along with other members of the Clergy, celebrated Mass to commemorate this important milestone. In his homily, Archbishop Prowse spoke of the significance of the past 200 years, encouraging the congregation to keep moving forward by looking backwards.

During the Offertory Procession, Sisters from the founding Religious Orders offered up special symbols of their Faith. These were placed on the altar to serve as a reminder of their contribution to Catholic education in the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese.

Throughout the Mass, the Merici College choir led the congregation in song.

Several schools including St Bernard’s Primary School, Batemans Bay, Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach and Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn, participated in the Mass virtually via live stream.

“The 56 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, serving 21,000 students, share a wonderful heritage and tradition built up over 200 years in Australia,” said Director, Ross Fox.

“The Mass of thanksgiving at St Christopher’s Cathedral celebrated the commitment of thousands of teachers, Principals and school staff to continue to share the wonderful gift of Catholic education,” he said.

The first Catholic school in Australia opened in Parramatta in October 1820 and was founded by Irish Catholic priest, Father John Therry. St Bede’s Primary School, Braidwood, was the first school established in the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and has continuously educated students since it opened its doors in 1859.