25 February 2021

The 200th anniversary of Catholic education in Australia took pride of place at the opening-year Mass at St Paul’s School, Coburg.

In a suburb once known as Pentridge, synonymous with the imposing bluestone prison, St Paul’s School first opened with 40 pupils in four classrooms in 1851. 170 years later, the school is celebrating its birthday in the same year that we all celebrate 200 years since Australia’s first Catholic school opened in Parramatta, west of Sydney.

The school’s opening-year Mass, celebrated by Fr Raymond, was an opportunity for the community to gather, have crosses blessed and present student leaders with their badges. The Mass, held in the school yard to comply with current restrictions, featured a large banner celebrating 200 years and decorated with drawings of all the current students.

Celebrations for the 200th anniversary continue during 2021. To find out more or to share stories of your local celebrations, visit the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) website.