From Vicariate to Diocese
The story of the Diocese of Cairns begins in 1877, when it was first established as an Apostolic Vicariate—a special form of Church jurisdiction used in missionary regions where a diocese has not yet been formed.
For 64 years, the Vicariate served the growing Catholic community of Far North Queensland. On 8 July 1941, it was officially elevated to the Diocese of Cairns, a recognition of the region’s flourishing faith and the development of strong religious institutions.
“This change occurs when there is a considerable increase in the number of faithful souls and the works of religion have developed in no small degree.”
An Apostolic Vicariate is a provisional structure, often lasting decades, even over a century. Its purpose is to nurture the local Church until it is ready to stand as a full diocese—self-sustaining, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the community.
Bishop's House
The most recent incarnation of St Monica’s Cathedral was blessed and opened in July 1968. It can be found at 181 Abbott Street, Cairns.
Within the Cathedral precinct lie St Monica’s Convent, built in 1914, which is now used as the St Monica’s College Administration building; the post-1927 cyclone church completed in 1928, now the Catholic Services Building; and, to the right of the Cathedral, the magnificent Bishop’s House completed in 1930.
At times, Bishop’s House was home to the bishop and up to 7 priests. In those days the priests would all go out to their ministry after breakfasting together and then gather again in the large dining room for their evening meal.
Today the house is mostly offices, with some accommodation in the back annex which was added circa 1969 above the Parish Office and garage.
The Past and the Present Bishops
Adolphus Lecaille
Pro-Vicar Apostolic, did not take possession.
Tarquino Tanganelli PIME
Pro-Vicar Apostolic
John Cani
Pro-Vicar Apostolic, translated as first Bishop of Rockhampton.
Paul Fortini
Pro-Vicar Apostolic, recalled to Rome.
John Hutchinson OSA
Pro-Vicar Apostolic.
Vicar Apostolic of Cooktown 1887-1897
James Murray OSA
Vicar Apostolic
John Heavey OSA
Vicar Apostolic, Bishop of Cairns 1941-1948
Thomas Vincent Cahill
Was bishop of Cairns before being appointed Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn
John Ahern Torpie
Bishop of Cairns
John Alexius Bathersby
Bishop of Cairns, translated as Archbishop of Brisbane
James Foley DD DPh (Leuven)
Bishop of Cairns, one of Australia’s longest serving bishops
Kerry Crowley, Rev Fr
Diocesan Administrator
Joseph Caddy AM
Bishop of Cairns
Diocesan Archives
The Cairns Catholic Diocesan Archives is dedicated to preserving the authentic records of the Diocese’s administrative, cultural, spiritual, and intellectual life. These archives serve as a vital resource for understanding the history and development of the Catholic Church in Far North Queensland.
A Short Chronicle
Ministry focus
Evangelising to the Aboriginal community and ministering to the large mining population
1872
The Catholic church in Georgetown is opened - the first to be built north of Bowen
1873
Cooktown is established and the goldfields serviced by transient priests from Brisbane.
1875
The church in Cooktown is established.
1876
Cairns is established.
1877
This area is the Vicariate Apostolic of Queensland, and the first Pro-Vicar (Lecaille) was appointed but never took up the appointment.
1884
The Irish Augustinian's are invited to staff the Vicariate with Fr John Hutchinson being the first Vicar-Apostolic of Cooktown
1886
On 10th January, Cairns’ first catholic church, St Monica’s Church and Priory was opened on the corner of Abbott & Minnie Streets. The buildings were subsequently destroyed in the 1927 cyclone.
1887
Moved from Vicariate Apostolic of Queensland to Vicariate Apostolic of Cooktown with Fr John Hutchinson OSA at the helm. On a trip back to Ireland he encouraged the Sisters of Mercy to come out
1889
There were 12 priests and 5 churches in the Vicariate.
1898
Fr James Murray OSA became the 2nd Pro-Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Cooktown, after the death of Bishop John Hutchinson (1897)
c.1904
The downturn in the economy and population Bishop James Murray moved the headquarters from Cooktown to Cairns.
1914
When James Murray dies there were 8 churches, 13 priests and 10,000 Catholics. Fr John Heavey OSA is appointed, and he becomes the first Bishop of Cairns when the Vicariate of Cooktown was elevated by Rome to the Diocese of Cairns 1941
