The Bishop of Botany Bay: The Life of John Bede Polding, Australia's First Catholic Archbishop by Frances O'Donoghue

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Interior and binding are excellent. Dust jacket has minor creasing at top and tail.

After an impressive early career as a Benedictine priest in England, John Bede Polding was consecrated Bishop in 1834 and appointed to New Holland. His long-held dream of ministering in the Antipodes had finally come true, and, after a six-month voyage, he arrived in Sydney in September 1835.

Faced with a predominantly Irish flock and priests, Polding's aim to establish a Benedictine form of Catholicism in Australia failed.

Over a 42 year career, he is best remembered for developing good relationships with Governors and politicians that gave Australian Catholics acceptance in politics and public service. Under his direction, the foundation of the Catholic system of education was laid and priests tended to the needs of a widely scattered population. (back cover)