Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Established in 1859 Archbishop Polding founded Our Lady of Mt Carmel. It became a diocesan Shrine in 2000. The hill was once called Hungry Hill. It later became Mount Lachlan. This is after Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The land was part of a grant to John Thomas Campbell. He was Macquarie’s secretary. The Legislative Assembly gave an acre to the Catholic Church in 1858. William Monroe designed a magnificent church. Financial issues meant a simpler one was built instead. Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone on August 15 1859. He returned to dedicate the finished church twenty months later. Fr Sheehy celebrated the high Mass. Frs Curtis and Fitzpatrick assisted. Fr Kenyon preached. The church was initially part of St Benedict’s Parish. This ran from the harbour to Botany Bay. Fr M A Corish was the Parish Priest. Fr Peter Farrell became the first resident priest in 1866. He lived on Redfern Street. Fr Athy followed in 1870. Fr J Cunningham built the first presbytery in 1870. He also built the first school in 1876. School lessons were held in the church before then starting in 1858. Our Lady of Mt Carmel’s marriage registers begin in 1866. Baptismal registers begin in 1870. These records list the names of many priests who served the parish. Our Lady of Mt Carmel continues to be a place of worship and community. The building itself stands as a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of the community it serves. The history of Our Lady of Mt Carmel is rich. It’s a captivating story of faith community and resilience. It reflects the growth of Sydney itself. This special place deserves our attention and respect.