November 15 this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Wollongong. Pope Pius XII issued two Papal Bulls [from the Latin 'bulla' meaning a scroll or letter under seal] from Castel Gandolfo on 15 November 1951. Through these Bulls the Pope created the Diocese from territories which formerly belonged to Sydney and Canberra-Goulburn Archdioceses. He proclaimed the Church of St Francis Xavier's Wollongong as the Cathedral Church and nominated the Bishop of Port Pirie, Bishop Thomas McCabe, as the chief pastor of the new Diocese. To celebrate this Diamond Jubilee of our Diocese, at all Masses this weekend there will be a focus on thanksgiving to God for the blessings bestowed over thepast 60 years.

Fraternally
† Bishop Peter Ingham