1900's

1901

The Great Fire destroys most of Jacksonville, including St. Mary’s Home and Immaculate Conception Parish, where future bishop, Father Kenny is pastor.

1902

William J. Kenny named bishop. He was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of St. Augustine.

1914

Michael J. Curley named bishop, overseeing 35,000 Catholics during World War I and a post-war period of anti-Catholicism. At the time he was the youngest bishop in the United States.

1922

Patrick J. Barry named bishop, shepherding the church through the Depression. During his tenure, he built 28 churches, 10 schools and increased the number of priests from 29 to 72. He also founded Barry College.

1940

Vatican official Monsignor Joseph P. Hurley is named new bishop of St. Augustine, later titled an archbishop. His tenure includes extensive real estate purchases in the 1950s ensuring ample land for growth of churches and schools.

1945

Catholic Charities Bureau established.

1952

Bishop Kenny High School opens in Jacksonville.

1958

Diocese of Miami established.

1962

The Second Vatican Council convenes in Rome. The three-year council changed the focus of ministry, encouraging greater involvement of the laity.

1963

St. Vincent de Paul Seminary opens in Boynton Beach.

1968

Paul F. Tanner named bishop.

1968

Dioceses of Orlando and St. Petersburg established.

1975

Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee established.

1979

John J. Snyder named bishop of the diocese with 63,000 Catholics. He oversees a period of expansion, including eight new parishes, seven schools, retirement homes, the Catholic Center, Marywood Retreat and Spirituality Center.

1984

Dioceses of Palm Beach and Venice established.