The Bishops

Bishop John Cani
1882-1898
Commenced the construction of St Joseph’s Cathedral and died before its completion.

Bishop Joseph Higgins
1899-1905
Was responsible for a great deal of work on the cathedral during his stay in Rockhampton, including the erection of the temporary wall. Transferred to Ballarat.

Bishop James Duhig
1905-1912
Was involved in paying off debts of St Joseph’s (which were still substantial) until he was transferred to Brisbane as Archbishop.

Bishop Joseph Shiel
1913-1931
Replaced the unsafe flying buttresses with strengthening rods in the ceiling.

Bishop Romuald Hayes
1932-1945
Made definite plans to complete the cathedral by Easter 1949 but his sudden death put an end to its completion.

Bishop Andrew Tynan
1946-1960
Also made plans for the completion of the cathedral but he too died suddenly before the work was begun.

Bishop Francis Rush
1961-1973
Was involved in renovations to the cathedral in keeping with the changes brought about by Vatican II. Transferred to Brisbane as Archbishop.

Bishop Bernard Wallace
1974-1990
Raised funds and completed the cathedral in simple Gothic style in 1982 to coincide with the centenary of the Diocese.

Bishop Brian Heenan
1991-
Celebrated the centenary of the cathedral by blessing the commemorative stone on October 17 1999.