Our Roots

History of the Diocese

 
Early Parish Foundations
1876 - 1986

Early Parish Foundations

Long before the Diocese was formed, faith communities were thriving. The oldest parishes—Manly (founded 1876), Gosford (1888), and Pymble (1889)—covered most of the present Diocese until 1910. All but one of the current parishes were established before 1986.

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1986 - 1996

The Inaugural Bishop

Bishop Patrick Murphy led the newly created Diocese for its first decade. Corpus Christi, St Ives, was established as the first Cathedral. Bishop Murphy retired in 1996, leaving a well-established foundation for his successor.

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Bishop Patrick Murphy
Bishop David Walker
1996 - 2013

Bishop David Walker

Bishop Walker brought a commitment to "grass roots" ownership and Australian spirituality. Under his leadership, the Diocese dedicated a new Cathedral at Our Lady of the Rosary, Waitara on 1 February 2008.

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2014 - 2018

Bishop Peter A Comensoli

Installed as the third Bishop, he focused on Youth, Families, and Vocations. During his time, formation began for nine new seminarians. In August 2018, he was appointed Archbishop of Melbourne.

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Bishop Peter Comensoli
Archbishop Anthony Randazzo
2019 - Present

Archbishop Anthony Randazzo

After a 15-month wait, the Diocese welcomed the news on 7 October 2019 that Pope Francis had appointed Most Rev Anthony Randazzo as the fourth Bishop of Broken Bay.

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