OUR MARIST HERITAGE

As we prepare to farewell our Brothers, we thought it timely, over several editions of the newsletter, to profile some of the Brothers and members of the clergy who have made outstanding contributions to the College. We continue our series with Bishop John Heavey OSA (1868–1948)  who bought the land that became the site of St Augustine's College.

Bishop John Heavey was a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church’s history in Far North Queensland. Born in Ireland, Bishop Heavey’s early life was marked by hardship, losing his schoolteacher father at the age of nine. At 17, he committed to the priesthood, completing his theological studies in Rome.

Ordained as an Augustinian priest in 1891 and consecrated a bishop in 1914, he arrived in Australia that  year to serve as the Bishop of the Vicariate of Cooktown. It was a minor diocese covering a vast area. Established during the Palmer River gold rush, Cooktown was the region’s early centre, with the first Catholic church built there in 1875. However, as Cooktown’s prominence waned, Cairns grew in importance, benefiting from its port and emerging agricultural, dairy and mining industries.

The city’s population rose significantly – from 11,000 in 1901 to 35,000 by 1935. Reflecting this growth, the Vicariate of Cooktown was elevated to the Diocese of Cairns in 1941, with Bishop Heavey becoming its first leader. Notably, he was the last Augustinian bishop in Cairns. His episcopate spanned two world wars, a period marked by great challenges and change.

A lasting legacy was his purchase of land in Draper Street in 1924, to establish a Catholic boys’ school. His vision came to fruition when the Marist Brothers were invited in 1929 to found St Augustine’s College. The school’s building was blessed in February 1930, and classes began the next day. Bishop Heavey supported the College during its formative 18 years. 

Beyond educational foundations, the bishop’s leadership was crucial during turbulent times. He remained in Cairns during 1941–42 when fears of Japanese invasion after the fall of Singapore prompted many residents to evacuate. His pastoral responsibilities were immense, overseeing an area four times the size of Ireland with just 22 priests. The advent of motor vehicles allowed priests to minister more easily in remote chapels across the vast diocese.

By 1931, halfway through his 34-year episcopacy, Bishop Heavey had established a robust network of Catholic schools, including St Augustine’s. Known for his scholarly and reserved nature, he often spent recreational time attending rugby league matches on Saturday near Bishop’s House in Cairns, quietly earning respect from the community.

The Catholic population under his care grew significantly, bolstered by an influx of Italian migrants that increased numbers by 43%. To meet their pastoral needs – many of whom struggled with English and were unfamiliar with Irish Catholic traditions – Bishop Heavey recruited seven Continental Augustinians fluent in Italian between 1927 and 1948.

He died in June 1948 and is buried in the Martyn Street Cemetery, Cairns. Bishop Heavey’s dedication to the Church and education in Far North Queensland left an enduring legacy. St Augustine’s College and the interhouse team proudly named after him remember a man whose vision and faith shaped the region’s Catholic community.

The Heavey crest reflects his episcopal role: it features a bishop’s mitre above, a crosier or bishop’s staff in one quadrant, and a clover (maybe the four-leaf clover should be a three-leafed shamrock!) symbolising his Irish heritage. The motto NULLI SECUNDUS translates as Second to None, embodying the values he inspired.