Heritage Trail Highlights Pioneering Religious Who Helped Make Parramatta the ‘Cradle of Catholicism’
The pioneering work of religious congregations who came to Parramatta in the early days of the colony – and who contributed to the area being known as the ‘cradle of Catholicism’ – has been recognised with the unveiling of a new heritage trail and website.
Date Posted:
05-Jul-2025
Sr Catherine Ryan, who led the Heritage Trail project, shows guests through the Memorial Chapel at the trail’s opening. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, the trail is a self-guided walking tour on the site of St Mary’s Convent, the first convent in Australia. It is situated at 6 Victoria Road, Parramatta, the present-day Convent of Mercy, opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Sisters wanted to remember those religious from different orders, including the Sisters of Charity, Sisters of the Good Samaritan, the Sisters of Mercy North Sydney, as well as their own congregation, who nurtured Catholicism in Parramatta through their many charitable works, such as looking after female convicts, educating the young and helping the sick and dying.
The official opening of the trail was held at the Victoria Road site on 11 June and was attended by many of the Sisters of Mercy who were instrumental in setting it up, as well as Vicar General Fr Peter Williams, representing the Diocese of Parramatta, representatives of the pioneer congregations, and other guests.,,
Source: Catholic Outlook