South Australia was settled by Europeans in 1836. From the colony’s earliest years people from many religious and cultural backgrounds arrived to build a new life for their families and communities.
Initially, only 6 to 8 percent of the European settlers were Catholic. The first Catholic priest arrived in 1841 and ministered alone to the Catholic population for the next four years. In 1844, Adelaide became a diocese with a bishop and one priest.
From the beginning, the Archdiocese of Adelaide has been comprised of Catholics from diverse cultural backgrounds whose faith traditions have added to the rich tapestry of the Church.
The Archdiocese of Adelaide continues to welcome new arrivals into the life of the Church, and has established the Multicultural office to support this important ministry.
One Faith, Many Cultures
Faith Journey of Multicultural Communities in Adelaide
Over the past century, in search of a better life for themselves and for their families, people have migrated to Australia from many different countries bringing with them a very deep connection with their culture and their faith.
The Catholic Multicultural Office in conjuction with Migrant Chaplains and their communities have begun to document the history of their journey of faith from arriving in the Archdiocese of Adelaide.
The purpose of this project is to provide memories, photographs and information of the first migrants until today, providing a historical document to be built upon for future generations.
Here are some of their faith journey stories....
Lithuanian Faith Journey
Vietnamese Faith Journey
Maltese Faith Journey
Syro- Malabar Faith Journey