Rev. Henry Backhaus was the first priest to serve in the Bendigo goldfields and celebrated the first Mass on the banks of the Bendigo Creek on 2 May 1852. A dedicated priest and a practical visionary, Fr Backhaus laid both spiritual and financial foundations that continue to support the Church today.
Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo is one of Australia’s most breathtaking and historically significant churches, offering a warm invitation to all who seek spiritual enrichment and architectural wonder.
A Shared Melody: Catholics and Anglicans sing Evening Prayer Together
On Sunday 27 October at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Bendigo, members of Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir joined the Choir from St Paul’s for a combined service of Evensong at 6:00 p.m. attended by members from both Cathedral communities.
First Diocesan Synod a Window to the past
There have been five Diocesan Synods in Sandhurst (1881, 1888, 1893, 1901 and 1948). The first, at St Kilian’s Pro-Cathedral, Bendigo was held to “frame laws for the good government of the Diocese.”
From Afar, Yet Always Near: Niece visits Aunt's resting place
Almost forty years after her death, the grave of Mother Mary Bonaventure was blessed with special visitors from the other side of the world.
Fr Boniface Returns
Fr Boniface Kamulegeya has returned from Rwanda to serve in the Diocese of Sandhurst for the next four years.
Sandhurst Scholarships 2025 Semester 1
Applications for scholarships to study theology, spiritual leadership or Clinical Pastoral Education are now open.
Bishop Draws Parallels between Synod on Synodality and Australian Plenary Council
A cultural shift in the way we understand Church is an outcome of both events.
50th Marian Festival: Walking together in Prayer
Half-Century of Devotion: Marian Festival Shines at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Second Assembly of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
“For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”.
