First Bishop of Perth.

Australian Dictionary of Biography entry:
John Brady (c. 1800–1871) by Kathleen O'Donoghue

This article was published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 1, 1966, online in 2006

John Brady (1800?-1871), Roman Catholic bishop, was born of peasant stock in County Cavan, Ireland. He was educated in a French seminary and after ordination served on the Isle of Bourbon (Réunion Island) for twelve years. On his return to Rome in 1836 he met Dr William Ullathorne who was recruiting priests for the Australian mission and was eager to secure his services. Brady arrived in 1838 in Sydney with the first large group of secular Irish clergy to reach Australia. Brady was originally intended for New Norfolk, but Bishop John Bede Polding felt his experience would be valuable on the mainland and he was appointed to Windsor. His extensive parish included Penrith and all branches of the Hawkesbury from Windsor to Broken Bay. His charges were mainly Irish convicts assigned to the landholders, and he rode hundreds of miles a month to serve them. After repeated incidents of coercion he was instrumental in establishing the convicts' right to freedom of worship. He was in touch with the Aboriginals and ministered to the French Canadian prisoners at Longbottom.

After five years Brady was appointed vicar-general of Western Australia. Accompanied by a Dutch priest and an Irish catechist, he arrived in Perth on 13 December 1843 and was gratefully welcomed by the small group of Catholics who had been without a priest. Governor John Hutt granted land for a church and school. Brady became convinced that he was working in a field ripe for the harvest and hastened to Rome to petition for priests and missionaries. He was particularly interested in evangelizing the Aboriginals and recommended that missions be established at King George Sound and Port Victoria. To aid this work he published, in Italian and English editions, A Descriptive Vocabulary of the Native Language of W. Australia (Rome, 1845). When it was decided to make Western Australia a separate diocese, Ullathorne declined the see and Brady was appointed bishop and consecrated in the Collegiate Church of Propaganda in May 1845. He returned to Perth next January with twenty-seven missionaries: French priests and brothers, Irish nuns and catechists and Spanish Benedictines. The sounds of the Te Deum for safe arrival had barely faded before it became painfully obvious that the small Catholic community could not absorb this group of differing nationalities and ecclesiastical training. Only one of the seven priests spoke English fluently. The French priests could do little with the Aboriginals near Albany, were suspected by the English settlers and finally transferred to Mauritius. Dom Joseph Serra and Dom Rosendo Salvado after initial difficulties established the flourishing Aboriginal mission at New Norcia.

Meanwhile Brady was living in conditions of extreme privation as death or disaster scattered many of his helpers. Harassed by pastoral responsibilities he petitioned Propaganda for aid. Dom Serra, then in Europe raising funds for the debt-encumbered mission, was appointed coadjutor bishop of Perth and administrator of the temporalities of the see. This appointment did nothing to alleviate the mushrooming difficulties. Brady went to Rome in 1850 to lay his case before the congregation of Propaganda. He was admonished for administering church property unwisely, returned to Perth without permission and engaged in violent disputes with his coadjutor. The débâcle was only terminated by legal action and the disciplinary visit of Archbishop Polding in 1852. Brady withdrew to his native diocese of Kilmore, Ireland, and spent his last years as a hermit in France. He died, not having resigned his see, on 2 December 1871 at Amélie-les-Bains.

Gentle and intelligent, Brady was unable to withstand the stress of founding a diocese in a new and unsympathetic environment. A charge of improvidence may be laid against him but it is mitigated and partially explained by the extreme simplicity and charity of his life.

Select Bibliography

Historical Records of Australia, series 1, vol 19
P. F. Moran, History of the Catholic Church in Australasia, vols 1-2 (Syd, 1895)
J. T. Reilly, Reminiscences of Fifty Years' Residence in Western Australia (Perth, 1903)
H. N. Birt, Benedictine Pioneers in Australia, vols 1-2 (Lond, 1911)
P. McCarthy, ‘The Foundations of Catholicism in Western Australia: 1829-1911’, University Studies in History and Economics, vol 2, no 4, July 1956, pp 5-76.

Citation details
Kathleen O'Donoghue, 'Brady, John (c. 1800–1871)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/brady-john-1821/text2087, published first in hardcopy 1966, accessed online 24 June 2025.

This article was published in hardcopy in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 1, (Melbourne University Press), 1966.

Reproduced by permission of Australian Dictionary of Biography. Original biography: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/brady-john-1821

---

The Australian, Sydney, 4 May 1838, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36856476:

At a Meeting of the Roman Catholic Inhabitants of the district of Penrith, convened by the direction of the Right Reverend Bishop, in the Court House, after the celebration of Divine Service, on Thursday, the 26th of April,
The Rev. John Brady, in the Chair,
Resolutions to the following purport were unanimously passed:—[...]
2.—That a considerable proportion of the population of the district of Penrith, free and bond, professing the Roman Catholic Faith, the want of a place of worship ought to be immediately supplied, in order to carry the benevolent intentions of Her Majesty's Government, as expressed by His Excellency, into effect.
3.—Resolved, That for this purpose a Subscription be commenced forthwith, and a Committee be appointed to promote its progress. [...]

---

Opening of St. Matthew's Church, Windsor, Australasian Chronicle, Sydney, 27 October 1840, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31729642:

Wednesday last having been the day appointed for the performance of this solemn function, on the day previous the bishop was met on the way, at the distance of fourteen miles from Windsor, by the Rev. Mr. Brady, the dean of the district, and about fifty of the settlers on horseback, and accompanied by twelve clergymen also mounted. His lordship drove into Windsor about six o'clock, p.m., surrounded by this cavalcade, and after paying a visit to the church, proceeded to Mr. Brady's residence, where he remained during the night. Early next morning carriages were seen advancing in all directions, and among the rest we perceived, with much pleasure, the gentlemen of St. Patrick's committee, who responded with alacrity to the invitation of the rev. Mr. Brady to join in the solemnities of the day. [...]

---

Local News, Southern Australian, Adelaide, 26 September 1843, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71618043:

Among passengers arrived per "Emma," we understand there are two Catholic Priests—the Very Rev Dean Brady, late of Windsor, New South Wales, and the Rev Mr Johnstone, late of Belgium, Europe, who, with a Mr Riley, are on their way to Western Australia, for the purpose of forming the Catholic Mission there. One of the objects contemplated by them is, the formation of a Mission among the Aborigines of that colony. The Reverend Gentlemen are staying at the Catholic Chapel-House, Adelaide.

---

Adelaide, Morning Chronicle, Sydney, 25 October 1843, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31741364:

By letters received from the Rev. Mr. Brady, we are glad to learn that he and his companion, the Rev. Mr. Jousteus [Joostens], arrived safe and well at Adelaide, where they will remain for some time till they can meet with a vessel bound to Western Australia, the scene of their future labours. Their arrival was like an angel's visit to the Rev. Mr. Benson, who had not seen a brother Priest for these two or three years that he has sojourned in South Australia. After ministering to the spiritual wants of the Roman Catholics of Western Australia, who have been hitherto entirely bereft of all the consolations of religion, they may be able to point out the most likely plan for the formation of a "Mission" to the numerous "Aborigines" of that section of New Holland. We wish them every success in their praiseworthy undertaking.

---

Shipping Intelligence. Arrived, Inquirer, Perth, 13 December 1843, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65583373:

On the 8th instant, the schooner Water Witch, Talbert master, from Adelaide, via Albany.—Passengers, Dr. Brady, and the Rev. Mr. Joostens, Roman Catholic clergymen; [...]

---

Moreton Bay and Western Australia, Morning Chronicle, Sydney, 10 February 1844, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31742132:

In connection with the proceedings of "the Society for the Propagation of the Faith," we promised in our last some account of the prospects of the Mission at the abovenamed places, which we now furnish.—The Rev. Messrs. Brady and Joostens arrived at King George's Sound towards the end of November, where they remained for nine days, and celebrated mass three times, once in a chapel formed by nature, between large blocks of granite, enclosing a cruciform area; they baptised six children, and speak favourably of the dispositions of the aborigines in the vicinity of the Sound. They received much kind attention from a Dr. Harrison, who takes a deep interest in the natives. They arrived at Swan River on the 8th day of December; they met with a friendly reception at Perth, from Governor Hutt, who expressed himself much pleased at the arrival of Catholic Pastors, to attend to the long-neglected portion of the inhabitants of Western Australia. He granted three allotments for the erection of a Church and Clergyman's dwelling, and promised a liberal subscription. In a few days, the subscription amounted to £160, and they intended to lay the foundation stone of St. John's Church, on the 27th of last December, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. In the mean time, they celebrated mass in a newly-built store of 60 by 24 feet, which was filled to overflowing the first Sunday on which they had divine service, by all the Catholics within 15 miles of Perth, and by several of other religious denominations. The whole of the inhabitants, both gentle and simple, vied with each other in shewing every attention to these first Catholic Missionaries to the Swan River District, and from this gratifying commencement, we are led to look forward to favourable results. [...]

---

Swan River, South Australian Register, Adelaide, 3 December 1845, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27451456:

The Chronicle states that Mr Brady, formerly Dean of Windsor, was on the 25th May, at Rome, consecrated Bishop of Perth, Swan River, by the Cardinal Prefect of the Propaganda, assisted by the Archbishop of Bagdat, and the Right Rev. Dr Kenrick, the Bishop of Philadelphia.

---

Advertisement, The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News, 16 April 1852, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3173343:

To the Editor of the Independent Journal.
Sir—As His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr Serra, desires the following Motu Proprio of His Holiness the Pope, received by the Leander, to be made publicly known for the guidance of the consciences of the Roman Catholics of Western Australia, may I ask the favor of your publishing it in your valuable Journal.
I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.,
Timothy Donovan,
R. C. Chaplain

[Latin text not reproduced by ANZCC]

Pope Pius IX.
Venerable Brother, health and apostolic benediction. The Roman Pontiff, to whom by Divine institution belongs the government of the Universal Church, as He appoints Pastors or Bishops to each diocess through the world, so He sometimes suspends them from the government of the entrusted church, deputing an Apostolic Administrator to the said church, as often as causes of great moment recommend such a necessity. Now, since it has lately come to our knowledge that the most serious reasons exist on account of which the present Bishop of Perth, should be suspended from the government of the said church and the annexed missions, during our pleasure and that of the Holy See, and that an Apostolic Administrator should be appointed to the said church : We, having heard the advice on this matter of Our Venerable Brothers the Cardinals of the Holy Church of Rome, appointed for Propagating the Faith, have deemed it proper to proceed to such suspension, and to appoint you Apostolic Administrator of said church. Therefore, of OUR OWN ACCORD, and after our mature deliberation, and from the plenitude of the Apostolic authority, by virtue of this present writ, We suspend during the pleasure of the Holy See, both in spiritual and temporal matters, the present Roman Catholic Bishop of Perth, JOHN BRADY, from the administration of said church and missions by whatever title annexed, and We elect, appoint, and declare you, Venerable Brother, who are already appointed Coadjutor of the aforesaid Bishop of Perth with the right of succession, to be Apostolic Administrator of said church and annexed missions, with all rights and powers necessary and convenient. We therefore command all whom it concerns or will concern, that they receive and admit you as Apostolic Administrator of said church of Perth and annexed missions; and that they assist, obey, and be subject to you in all things ; otherwise, We shall confirm the sentence or penalty that you would lawfully inflict or pronounce upon the rebels and We shall cause them to be inviolably observed even to condign satisfaction; notwithstanding, as far as is necessary, the rule of ourselves and of the Apostolic Chancery, of not depriving of any possessed right, and other general or special Apostolic constitutions and regulations issued by Universal, Provincial, or Synodical Councils, and every thing else also to the contrary. Given at Rome, from St Peter's under the ring of the fisherman, the III day of October, MDCCCLI in the sixth year of our Pontificate. (Seal) A. CARD. LAMBRUSCHINI.
To Our Venerable Brother,
Joseph Maria Benedict Serra,
Bishop of Daulia and Apostolic Administrator of Perth.

---

The Pope's Bull, The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News, 16 April 1852, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3173346:

In another column is to be seen a pontifical bull lately received by Bishop Serra, which we hope will settle at once the differences existing for some time amongst the Roman Catholics of this colony, about their lawful ecclesiastical superior. Such bulls are called Motu Proprio, from those words being used in them to signify that the dispensations issued in such, proceed from His Holiness of his own accord, without having been suggested or solicited by any one, thus preventing all suspicion of their having been obtained in any surreptitious manner. We understand that Bishop Serra declined to receive the despatch, and requested the Post-office authorities to deliver it to His Excellency the Governor, who at his solicitation consented to open the package. Besides the bull and a letter from the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda, for Bishop Serra, it contained a letter from the same cardinal directed to Bishop Brady, recommending him to leave the colony and resign the Bishopric of Perth. The letter was delivered to Dr Brady by His Excellency.

---

The Louisa from Melbourne and Adelaide, The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News, 18 June 1852, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3173515:

An express from Bunbury brings information of the arrival at King George's Sound of the Louisa. The intelligence reached Bunbury by means of the Roman Catholic Archbishop Polding, who appears to have come on overland from the Sound, and is at present on a visit to Mr Little of Australind, to which place Bishop Brady was summoned on Wednesday last, to learn the decision with reference to the recent Roman Catholic disputes in this colony. [...] ---

---

The Divisions in the Roman Catholic Church of Western Australia, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, 17 August 1852, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12939256:

We perceive by the Swan River papers that the unseemly quarrels among the Roman Catholics at Swan River still continue. Bishop Serra had found it necessary to publish the official documents by which the Pope suspended Bishop Brady, and as they will interest many of our readers, we print them in full. Archbishop Polding had arrived, but the only notice of his interference which we observe is a caveat, signed by His Grace's solicitor, forbidding the sale of some property which had been advertised by the Sheriff, at the suit of a creditor of Bishop Brady. Most illustrious and most Rev. Lord—Dr Brady having clandestinely withdrawn himself from Rome, alleging his health as a pretext, His Holiness has deemed it advisable that it be intimated to him the suspension which he incurs by the very fact, whenever, without previous permission, he repairs to Australia. I therefore forward to your Lordship a copy of the letter addressed to that Prelate, in order that you may make use of it, should the supposition be verified; meanwhile, however, you will maintain secrecy as to the object of the present communication, since I am willing to hope that Dr. Brady may not proceed to such an extremity. I pray the Lord long to preserve you and prosper you.
Rome, from the Propaganda, 16th August, 1851.
Your Lordship s affectionate Brother,
J. Ph. Card. Fransoni, Pref.
AL. Barnabo, Secretary.
Right Rev. Dr. Serra, Bishop Administrator of Perth.

Copy of the Letter alluded to in the preceding
Most Illustrious and most Reverend Lord—The Secretary of the Sacred Congregation did not omit to show to me the letter written by you in Toulon, dated 22nd July, thereby informing me about your voyage and your health. I cannot induce myself to believe that it did not reach your Lordship—a letter written in the name of the Sacred Congregation, dated 29th July, in which it is stated that your manner of acting in leaving Rome, had greatly displeased the Pope. Nevertheless His Holiness is quite persuaded that as soon as possible your Lordship will come back to Rome. Meanwhile it is my duty to let you know that, after a serious consideration of the particulars of this affair, and to the end to prevent in time the difficulties, to the great disadvantage of the Diocese of Perth and connected missions, should follow your going back there, His Holiness the Pope has ordered that if you should go back to Australia without having obtained permission from the Holy See, you by the very fact should incur the suspension. Moreover His Holiness has directed that an account should be written to Australia about this disposition, that it might be published in the case of your arrival there. Although it has been necessary to order such a thing in the way of caution, I am almost certain, such never was your design, and as the heat of the summer soon now will be over, I am willing to hope that your Lord- ship, as soon as you feel better, will return to this town of Rome. I pray the Lord to preserve you safe and in good health.
Rome, from the Propaganda, 16th August, 1851.
Your Lordship s affectionate Brother,
J. Ph. Card. Fransoni, Pref.

Pope Pius IX.
Venerable Brother, health and apostolic benediction. The Roman Pontiff, to whom by Divine institution belongs the government of the Universal Church, as He appoints Pastors or Bishops to each diocese through the world, so He sometimes suspends them from the government of the entrusted church, deputing an Apostolic Administrator to the said church, as often as causes of great moment recommend such a necessity. Now, since it has lately come to our knowledge that the most serious reasons exist on account of which the present Bishop of Perth should be suspended from the government of the said church and the annexed missions, during our pleasure and that of the Holy See, and that an Apostolic Administrator should be appointed to the said church: We, having heard the advice on this matter of Our Venerable Brothers the Cardinals of the Holy Church of Rome, appointed for propagating the faith, have deemed it proper to proceed to such suspension, and to appoint you Apostolic Administrator of said church. Therefore of our own accord, and after our mature deliberation, and from the plentitude of the Apostolic authority, by virtue of this present writ, We suspend during the pleasure of the Holy See, both in spiritual and temporal matters, the present Roman Catholic Bishop of Perth, John Brady, from the administration of said church and missions by whatever title annexed, and We elect, appoint, and declare you, Venerable Brother, who are already appointed Coadjutor of the aforesaid Bishop of Perth with the right of succession, to be Apostolic Administrator of said church and annexed missions, with all rights and powers necessary and convenient. We therefore command all whom it concerns or will concern, that they receive and admit you as Apostolic Administrator of said church of Perth and annexed missions, and that they assist, obey, and be subject to you in all things; otherwise, We shall confirm the sentence or penalty that you would lawfully inflict or pronounce upon the rebels, and We shall cause them to be inviolably observed even to condign satisfaction; notwithstanding, as far as is necessary, the rule of Ourselves and of the Apostolic Chancery of not depriving of any possessed right, and other general or special Apostolic constitutions and regulations issued by Universal, Provincial, or Synodical Councils, and every thing else also to the contrary. Given at Rome, from St Peter's, under the ring of the fisherman, the III day of October, MDCCCLI in the sixth year of our Pontificate. (Seal) A. Card. Lambruschini.
To Our Venerable Brother,
Joseph Maria Benedict Serra,
Bishop of Daulia and Apostolic Administrator of Perth.

---

Shipping Intelligence. Sailed, The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News, 24 September 1852, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3173817:

On the 10th instant, [...]
the barque Eugene Beauvais, master, for King George's Sound. Passengers Bishop Brady, [...]

---

France. Death of the Most Rev. Dr. Brady, Bishop of Perth, Western Australia, Advocate, Melbourne, 24 February 1872, p 7, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article170155607:

We sincerely regret having to announce the death of the Most Rev. Dr. Brady, which took place on the 2nd inst., at Amelu les Bains, in France. This venerable prelate had attained the patriarchal age of eighty years, and died after a life spent in promoting the glory of God and the welfare of his fellow man. He studied his course of theology in France, and went among the first missioners to the Isle of Bourbon, where he laboured for sixteen years, and converted not less than twenty thousand of the natives. He then visited his native country for a short time, from whence he went to Rome, and there was consecrated Bishop of Perth, in Western Australia. There also he laboured most indefatigably and successfully for the diffusion of religion and civilisation among a neglected and ignorant people. He built churches, founded convents and schools, and was untiring in his exertions to make the light of religion and learning rise and enlighten that portion of Christ's fold entrusted to his care. After his return to Ireland his zeal and piety continued unabated, while his affability and courteous manners won the love and esteem of all who had the pleasure of being acquainted with him. There will be many to regret his departure from amongst us, but he died full of years and honours, and had not to appear before his Judge with hands empty of good works, for the many souls he converted and sanctified would be a rich and acceptable offering to make Him. May he rest in peace.—Anglo Celt.

---

Patrick Francis Cardinal Moran, History of the Catholic Church in Australasia, 1895, pp 554-564 passim:

[...]Some Catholics residing in Perth addressed a letter in 1842 to Rev. Dr. Ullathorne, whom they believed to be still Vicar-General of New South Wales, praying him to send some missionaries to relieve the spiritual wants of the scattered Catholic settlers. The population, they said, was rapidly increasing, and the Catholics were numerous, but, owing to their spiritual desolation, were gradually being merged in one or other of the Protestant sects. Archbishop Polding, on his return to Sydney from Europe in 1843, by letter of the 1st of September, appointed the Rev. John Brady Vicar-General, with full powers for ministering to the faithful throughout the whole of the western district.

Father Brady was a native of the County of Cavan, in Ireland, and devoted himself to the mission in the Mauritius, where for twelve years he laboured with such devotedness and zeal as merited the applause of all the friends of religion in the island. Returning homeward in ill-health the ship was obliged by stress of weather to put in at Capetown. He found several Catholic families there, but without a priest. He remained for a few weeks, baptized some children that were brought to him, and encouraged the faithful with the assurance that he would make known their sad spiritual condition in Rome. Being in Rome in 1838, he met with Dr. Ullathorne, and, learning from him the many wants of the Catholics of Australia, at once offered his services to give a helping hand for a few years at least in the missions of New South Wales. He arrived in Australia on the 24th of February, 1838, and the district of Windsor was assigned to his spiritual charge. He was indefatigable in attending to the poor convicts, and feared not to publicly denounce the tyranny and barbarous treatment to which they were at times subjected. To the aboriginals, and especially to their children, he was a father. He applied himself to learn their language, and he formed a native college, in which a considerable number of orphans and other native children were instructed and provided for in every way.[...]

In the beginning of October, 1843, Dr. Brady accompanied by the Rev. John Joostens and an Irish catechist, named Patrick O'Reilly, arrived in Adelaide on their way to Albany. Father Joostens was an aged Dutch priest, who many years before had served as chaplain in Napoleon's army, and had accompanied the Archbishop to Australia on his recent return to the colony. Their arrival in Adelaide was like an angel's visit to Father Benson, who was alone ministering to the few faithful there, and who had seen a brother priest but once during the three years that he had been sojourning in South Australia. They had to wait for some time to find a ship sailing for their mission, but at length a favourable opportunity presented itself, and they landed at Albany on the 4th of November, 1843. They were welcomed there with unbounded delight, but could remain only for a few days being desirous to hasten onwards to the Swan River. Holy Mass, however, was celebrated three times, once in a chapel formed by nature between large boulders of granite enclosing a cruciform area. Six children were baptized, and the missionaries were particularly gratified by the excellent dispositions shown by the aboriginal tribes in that vicinity. They arrived at Freemantle on the 8th of December, and proceeded to Perth on the 13th. They found there some scattered Catholic families whom they consoled by administering the Sacraments, and offering the Holy Sacrifice. [...] A temporary school was opened, and Dr. Brady himself acted as teacher. After about three months, he set sail for Europe to enlist the sympathy of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in favour of that poor colony, and to secure some zealous missionaries who would devote themselves to the instruction of the aboriginals. [...]

Dr. Brady gave very cheering accounts of the mission when he visited Rome, and suggested that Dr. Ullathorne should be appointed Bishop, and that two distinct missions should be established for the aboriginals—one at George's Sound, the other towards the North of Australia at Port Essington. In a letter to Propaganda, dated the 31st of October, Vigil of All Saints, 1844, he states that since the beginning of the colony in 1829 great numbers of Europeans had emigrated to Western Australia, and amongst them several Catholic families, whose children had grown up without the Sacraments and had lost the faith, there being no priest in all that territory. He calculates that "there are in Perth and its district about 5000 of white population and 2000 blacks. In the other districts the European population is but scattered, but the blacks are very numerous being estimated at two millions. The aboriginals are far superior to those of New South Wales; they are of dark olive colour and have long hair. The Government and the white population are most anxious to civilize them and to show some kindness to them." The aboriginals manifested great affection towards Dr. Brady, and expressed their joy in a thousand ways when he told them that he came in the name of the Good Spirit, whom they call Wangaul, to save them and their children from the evil spirit: they brought him branches of olive in token of friendship. The Governor had allotted land in each district for churches and other such purposes. He suggests that there should be distinct missions for the Europeans and the natives. In a second letter written on the 21st of November, 1844, he adds that the Archbishop of Sydney would prefer French or Belgian priests for the mission to the natives. The General of the Passionists had offered to undertake that sphere of the mission if the Sacred Congregation so decided. At present there was only the one priest in the colony, Father Joostens, and he was 68 years of age.

Dr. Ullathorne having declined the proferred dignity of Bishop of Perth, the Holy See, struck with the singular zeal and manifold virtues of which Dr. Brady had given abundant proof in Rome, resolved to appoint him to that onerous charge. His Briefs were issued appointing him to the See of Perth, and assigning to him at the same time the administration of the two Vicariates Apostolic at George's Sound and Port Essington. He received the Episcopal consecration in the Collegiate Church of Propaganda on the 18th of May, 1845, and with him was consecrated the illustrious Archbishop Riario, of Naples, who was subsequently made Cardinal and won universal applause by his heroic devotedness to his flock in the time of pestilence.

Dr. Brady, whose whole heart was in his sacred enterprise, visited France and Ireland in search of missionaries, and soon enlisted a numerous band of priests and catechists and devoted nuns, with whom he sailed in the barque "Elizabeth," from London, on the 16th of September, 1845. They were in all a religious party of twenty-eight, besides one secular, a young Roman, Nicola Corporelli , whom the Bishop engaged to teach in his future college, and for whom he obtained the title of Pontifical Consul for Perth. They arrived in Freemantle on the 7th of January, 1846, and on the following day landed on Australian soil. The whole population of the township assembled to greet them. They chanted the Litanies as they rowed from the ship to the shore, and, on landing, intoned Te Deum in thanksgiving for the safe voyage.

[...] The question arose how were so many missionaries to be maintained. The Bishop had hoped that the Government would bear the expense of their voyage to the mission, as it had done some time before for the Protestant missionaries, but this favour was now refused. The Bishop seemed intent only on providing for the convenience of others . He himself set an example of self-denial and self-sacrifice to all the rest. Four wooden posts that supported the church bell were encased with boards, and the room thus formed became his Lordship's residence. The room being only about four feet square, he could not lie down, but was obliged to sleep in his chair. An umbrella was his only protection from the sun's rays and from the rain. When at a later period he rented a two- roomed cottage for a residence he kept no servant, and the soldiers of the Irish regiment stationed in Perth, moved by compassion, volunteered to take in turn the charge of his cooking and other domestic requirements. [...]

In the meantime the resources of the Diocese of Perth were completely swamped by the ever-increasing debts and the accumulating interest. The debt incurred by the Right Rev. Dr. Brady for the mission in 1845 was £ 2492 11s. 6d.; in 1846 there was an additional debt of £1604 8s. 4d.; in 1847 another debt of £1959 10s. 6d; in 1848 a still larger debt of £2533 12s. 11d.; and in 1849 a further debt of £1364 1s. 3d., making a total of almost £10,000. What added to the alarm, it was rumoured that the sums collected by Dr. Serra were now to be applied to Port Victoria Diocese. As a last resource Dom Salvado was commissioned by the Bishop to proceed to Europe, and, following in the footsteps of his Benedictine brother, to collect funds to pay off the Diocesan debts. Joostens had in the meantime abandoned the mission and sailed for Batavia, and, as thus on the departure of Dom Salvado, not a single priest would remain in the Diocese, the Bishop deemed it expedient to promote to the priesthood a young Irish catechist named Donovan. Matters being thus arranged, Dom Salvado sailed from Freemantle for Europe on the 8th of January, 1849, just three years after his arrival in the colony.

The Bishop had left nothing undone to meet the monetary crisis. He had sold out some valuable property which he held in Mauritius and paid the proceeds to the creditors. The sums received from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith had been applied in like manner. And now reduced to extreme poverty he was so wearied and worried by the monetary difficulties that beset him, and by the many pastoral anxieties that are inseparable from a newly founded mission, that his health of mind and body began to fail. He applied to the Holy See for a Coadjutor. The Propaganda decided on appointing Dr. Serra, who was as yet in Europe, to that post. He was accordingly by Brief of the 25th of July, 1849, translated from the Diocese of Port Victoria to that of Daulia in partibus, and appointed Coadjutor of Perth and Administrator of the temporalities of the See. At the same time Dom Salvado was appointed Bishop of Port Victoria and received the Episcopal consecration in Naples at the hand of Cardinal Fransoni on the 15th of August, 1849.[...]

Dr. Serra, accompanied by seven priests and thirty-two aspirants to the Benedictine habit, sailed from Spain on board the Spanish frigate "Ferrolana" on the 9th of October, 1849, and arrived at Freemantle on the 29th December. He was welcomed with every possible demonstration of joy by the worthy Bishop, who, in an eloquent discourse on the following Sunday, when Episcopal High Mass was sung by the Coadjutor Bishop, did not fail to recall the landing of the great Benedictine monk, St. Augustine, on the shores of Kent with forty missionaries, and to express the hope that no less fruitful of blessings would be the arrival of the new missionary staff bearing its commission from the same Holy See and the Successor of St. Peter.

Dr. Serra, with his companions, set out for New Norcia early in January, 1850, and the arrival of so many fervent religious gave new life to the infant monastery.

The appointment of. Dr. Serra to administer the temporalities of the Diocese of Perth without assigning to him the burden of the many debts incurred already by Dr. Brady, only served to intensify the difficulties and confusion that already existed. Dr. Brady accordingly set out for Rome in the beginning of February and arrived there in the month of May, 1850. During his stay in Rome he strenuously advocated the interests of the Diocese and of the Australian Church, and at his last audience with the Holy Father the Pope used the words, "You must return to your people." The good Bishop set off at once for his distant Diocese, forgetful of the rule that missionary Bishops when paying the visit ad limina are not allowed under censure to return to their Sees until they receive the sanction of the Congregation of Propaganda. Dr. Brady arrived at Freemantle towards the end of December, 1851. Violent dissensions between the Irish Catholics and the Spanish clergy soon became the order of the day, followed by continual litigation in the civil courts. Dr. Brady withdrew from the colony in the month of August, 1852. He spent some time in Rome, and subsequently resided for the most part in his native Diocese of Kilmore, in Ireland. He never, however, resigned his See, and he continued Bishop of Perth till his death at Amelu les Bains, in France, on the 2nd of December, 1871.[...]

---

Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 1, 1979, p 31:

Brady, John, Most Rev., Irish, Golden Jubilarian
Storm Centre in Early Perth
This personality is so complex (and some would say contentious) that the writer prefers to give the essential life details, point to the biography in Footprints Vol. 1, No. 7,and mention some of the copious references. John was born in Castletara, Co. Cavan, in 1800 (other writers say 1791), and studied at MH (prob.) and at the Seminaire des Colonies, Paris. He went as a missioner to the Isle of Bourbon where his English was largely forgotten and where French was the spoken language. When in Rome in 1837 he met Dr. Ullathorne and volunteered to come to New Holland, arriving in Sydney 24.2.'38. Windsor district became the scene of labour where he became the friend of aborigines, convicts, and the French Canadians at Longbottom; building churches that have today faded almost completely into oblivion. Bishop Polding sent him off as V.G. to Perth in 1843. To procure helpers he set out for Rome where Gregory XVI appointed him bishop (or perhaps Brady nominated himself for the task. He was very successful in recruiting but less perspicacious in providing for their welfare. He was consecrated at Propaganda College on 18.5.1845. We by-pass the squabbles that ensued with Serra and the OSB's, with the Holy Ghost Fathers and others. Suffice to record that Brady was excommunicated in 1852 by Polding in 'bell, book, and candle' style. A schism virtually ensued and Brady left the Perth scene never to return. Later days were spent in his native County Cavan and as a hermit in France. He died at Amelie-les-bains, France, on 2.12.1871. The age is usually given as 71, but the writer is of the opinion that 80 is nearer the mark.
(Footprints, Vol. 1, No. 7)
Ref.: Perth Cathedral Archives, Fr. D.F. Bourke's recent 'History of the Catholic Church in Western Australia, 1829-1979'; Moran's 'History of the Catholic Church in Australasia'; Dom Birt's 'Benedictine Pioneers'; ADB Vol. 1, p. 147. And readers should note that this list of references is far from complete.

---

A Brief Bio: Bishop John Brady, first Roman Catholic Bishop of Perth, Western Australia (1845 to 1871), https://web.archive.org/web/20110424161650/http://bishopbrady.com/a-brief-bio/, accessed on 18 November 2025:

John Brady (1800?-1871) was born in County Cavan, Ireland. Many of the dates relating to Brady’s early life are uncertain including the date he left Ireland for France. Brady undertook his seminary studies at the Seminaire des Colonies in Paris. Once ordained as a priest he went to the French Island of Réunion, situated in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and south west of Mauritius. After 12 years as a missionary in Réunion, Brady volunteered for a posting in the Australian colony of New South Wales where he was assigned as a priest for the district of Windsor.

Brady’s work in New South Wales earned him the respect of Sydney’s Archbishop, John Bede Polding. In late 1843, Polding transferred Brady to the Colony of Western Australia appointing him as deputy of the Archbishop with the title of Vicar General. Soon after, Brady made his way to Western Australia, arriving at the Colony’s port town of Fremantle on December 8, 1843. Eager to establish the Catholic Church’s presence in the young Colony, Brady began fundraising to build a church. The foundation stone of the church which was to be called St John the Evangelist was laid on January 16, 1844.

(The church which Brady built still exists and is currently functioning as St John’s Pro-Cathedral. It is situated across from the Bishop’s Palace on Victoria Avenue in the city of Perth. The building still holds the cathedra, seat of the bishop, which Brady brought from Europe and is a testament to the humble begins of the early Catholic Church of Western Australia.)

On February 11, 1844, Brady left Fremantle for Rome as it had become apparent that he needed funding and missionaries to establish the Catholic Church in Western Australia. Conscious of the distance between Sydney and Perth, Brady advised Vatican officials that the Sydney Archdiocese, which covered most of continental Australia, needed to be divided into smaller dioceses. Archbishop Polding had already expressed similar concerns upon his visit to Rome in 1842, however he had suggested that his Archdiocese remain unaltered until the British colonies were better established and there was a larger population in settlements like Western Australia. Brady, however, felt that as there were now resident priests in Western Australia and an estimated 5,000 Catholics and 2.5 million Aboriginals—that a diocese needed to be created with a bishop in residence. Brady had estimated the number of Catholics and Aboriginals in Western Australia prior to the first colonial census and the result was that his figures were drastically incorrect.

Once the Vatican had accepted Brady’s proposal for Western Australia, Perth Diocese was created by papal decree on May 6, 1845. On Brady’s recommendation, the position was initially offered to William Ullathorne, a missionary from Sydney. Ullathorne, however, had decided to return to England and declined. The bishopric was then offered to Brady, who accepted the promotion and was consecrated on May 18, 1845. Brady then returned to Perth, having successfully recruited 28 missionaries from religious orders and diocese all over Europe. The diversity of missionaries that Brady recruited in Europe would allow him to introduce some of the rich cultural heritage of the European Catholic Church to the Colony of Western Australia. This is most evident in the Benedictine monasticism which later flourished in the Colony through the work of Dom José María Benito Serra and Dom Rosendo Salvado two of Brady’s recruits from the abbey of La Trinità della Cava in Italy. During his trip to Rome, Brady had also convinced senior Vatican Cardinals to open a Papal consulate in Perth and providing him with funds. However, once the Vatican’s Secretary of State discovered the accurate number of Catholics in Western Australia, the consulate was disbanded immediately. However, Brady’s success in gaining such a high level of support from the Vatican is a testament to his missionary passion and charismatic nature.

On January 7, 1846 Brady arrived once again at Fremantle and within days began consulting his missionaries on a plan for their dispersal throughout the Colony. Brady’s plans were soon stunted when he realised that there were only 337 local Catholics in the Colony. This small number, of predominantly poor Catholics, was unable to support 28 missionaries and a building program for new churches and schools. Further, the colonial government was unwilling to offer financial support for the Catholic Church. In spite of these obstacles, Brady set about establishing three missions to work with the Aboriginal people. He set missionaries north to Port Essington (a British garrison near modern Darwin), to Victoria plains in the centre of the Colony (which became the New Norcia Monastery) and south to King George Sound (the Colony’s first port, now known as Albany). The money Brady had collected from Europe was rapidly consumed during this dispersal, and as a result many of his missionaries were left stranded without resources or means of survival.

While Brady continued to experience difficulties in Perth, Archbishop Polding made his way to Rome. Polding had not been pleased that the Perth Diocese was created without his consultation. The Archbishop had become aware of Brady’s difficulties, and when he arrived in Rome began to campaign to reduce the size of Perth Diocese. The portion annexed from Perth would be made into the new diocese, Port Victoria, situated near modern day Darwin. Polding’s plan was that Port Victoria would be placed under the control of Dom Serra. Serra’s success in creating the Benedictine Monastery of New Norcia in the Victoria Plains District of Western Australia with fellow Benedictine Dom Salvado had earned both monks a reputation as exemplary missionaries. Polding had also nominated Serra for Port Victoria as he wanted another Benedictine within the Australian Catholic hierarchy. Unaware of Polding’s negotiations with the Vatican, Brady sent Serra to Rome on February 20, 1848 to plead for financial assistance. The funds he had previously raised in Europe he had spent, and he was quickly running out of credit. When Serra arrived in Rome he was appointed Bishop of Port Victoria. When Brady received notification of Serra’s promotion, he realised that Serra was no longer fundraising for Perth, but his own new diocese.

Brady began to inundate Propaganda Fide, the Vatican department for missionary affairs, for requests to help the unstable Perth Diocese. Their decision was to change Serra’s appointment to Coadjutor Bishop, joint bishop, of Perth and give him complete control over all the Diocese’s assets and finances. Now as Coadjutor Bishop of Perth, Serra returned to the Diocese and very soon clashed with Brady. Serra had not done what Brady had requested and, further, now had control over all of the Diocese’s finances. Brady refused to accept Serra’s promotion and went to Rome to plead his case. At this time, revolution was spreading through the Papal States. The Pope and many senior Vatican Cardinals fled from Rome, only returning just before Brady’s arrival. Impatient and tired of bureaucratic chaos in Rome, Brady did not wait for an answer to his plea, but returned to Perth. A public battle in the courts and newspapers ensued between Brady and Serra for control of the Diocese. In the end, Polding travelled to Perth from Sydney and forced Brady to resign. Bishop Brady was completely resistant to resigning from the Diocese he had founded. He felt that his error of judgement did not deserve the treatment he received.

Meantime, Bishop Serra was quickly rectifying the Diocese’s finances, first through injecting funds he had accumulated from his trip to Spain, and also through grants gained from the Colonial Government. These grants were made to assist the establishment of Catholic schools and to provide wages for some of the clergy. The Catholic population began to grow at a faster rate with the transportation of convicts and single women from the poor parishes in Ireland and England. Brady had been forced to resign just when the prospects of the Catholic Church began to change. By 1870, the year before Brady died, the number of Catholics in colonial Western Australia peaked at just under 30 per cent of the colonial population. There were 7,118 Catholics with a total colonial population of 24,785.

Bishop Brady was a missionary, not a man well versed in financial matters. As he left the Colony, he spent the money which he had been given by Serra to pay for his fare back to Europe and that of four families from Perth. Once again he was penniless and this showed his disinterest in material gain. He retired to Ireland where he assisted other bishops in their pastoral duties. He refused to relinquish his title as Bishop of Perth. On an official level, when he died in Amélie-Les-Bains during 1871, he was still in office. Until his death Brady remained at heart the Bishop of Perth.

As Brady’s remains are returned to Perth this year and reinterred at St Mary’s, Perth, it will be recognition of the sacrifices that Brady made in the process of establishing the Perth Diocese. Bishop Brady will return to Perth to rest eternally among his people.

---

Bishop Brady’s missing years, The Record, 30 Nov 2011, https://therecord.com.au/news/local/bishop-bradys-missing-years/, accessed on 18 November 2025:

The fog surrounding Perth’s controversial first bishop is lifting.

Almost nothing was known of the life of Perth’s first Catholic bishop, John Brady, from the time he left Fremantle in 1852, banished under papal order, till his death in southern France in 1871. Now the efforts of Fr Kilian Mitchell OPraem, an Irish Norbertine priest at Kilnacrott Abbey in Ireland, together with references collected by the Perth archdiocesan archivist Sr Frances Stibi PBVM, have made it possible to construct a timeline of Brady’s post-Perth life based on diaries, letters and reports.

4 October 1851
Cardinal Fransoni wrote to Bishop Brady: “It is inexplicable why, against the will of the Supreme Pontiff – namely that you should remain in Rome until your case was decided – and although you also well knew the responsibility for the Church of Perth had been handed over to Bishop Serra, you left the city like a fugitive and, under false pretext, you did not hesitate to undertake the journey to Australia.”

9 January 1852
As a result of the seemingly impossible situation in Perth, Bishop Serra wrote to ask Archbishop Polding, Metropolitan of Sydney, to come to Perth as he felt Polding’s presence would calm everyone down.

3 July 1852
After a long and arduous journey, Polding arrived in Perth.

4 July 1852
The following minute was written describing the event in the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Perth by Thomas Little JP, Acting Secretary to the Archbishop Metropolitan:

On Sunday the fourth day of July 1852, appeared before the Most Rev John Bede Polding, Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of the Province of New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land, the Right Rev John Brady, Bishop of Perth in Western Australia, but suspended from his functions by Our Most Holy Father Pius the Ninth by a Motu Proprio dated 3/10/1851.

The Most Rev Archbishop Metropolitan, being vested and prepared to celebrate Mass, proceeded to the Throne, and being seated thereon the Right Rev John Brady came to the Sanctuary, and having genuflected before the Blessed Sacrament, presented himself to the Archbishop Metropolitan, and on his bended knees read a declaration to the purport following:

1 His Lordship professed his unreserved and perfect submission to the Sentence of Suspension passed upon him by His Holiness Pope Pius IX.

2 His Lordship solemnly promised to abide under it until canonically absolved by the Supreme Authority from which it emanated.

3 His Lordship signified and declared, that he would follow and fulfill the directions and injunctions of the Most Rev John Bede Polding, Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land, as regards the time when, the manner in which, and the circumstances in connection with his proceeding to the Holy See, for the purpose of obtaining absolution from the Holy Father, and in obedience to the mandate of His Holiness.

4 Furthermore, His Lordship surrendered unto the said Most Rev John Bede Polding, Archbishop and Metropolitan as aforesaid, all right or title to, or possession of lands, goods and chattels, either held in his own name or in the name of others, for his own proper use, or for the use of others, with all Deeds, Documents, and other instruments, referring to, or descriptive of the same; and all this to be understood without restriction or reserve, as extending to and including all lands, goods and chattels held by him in Western Australia.

5 And moreover, His Lordship expressed his deep regret for whatever disturbance, disquiet or dis-edification may have been occasioned since his return to this colony; and

6 Lastly, placed himself with unqualified obedience in the hands of the Most Rev the Metropolitan, as Representative of the Supreme Head of the Church on earth, our most Holy Father Pope Pius IX, whom God in his mercy long preserve.

This declaration having been made, the Archbishop addressed some words of paternal and affectionate admonition to the Right Rev Bishop, and assured His Lordship of the great consolation he derived from receiving this manifestation of submission and obedience, which he would transmit by the first opportunity, to the Holy See.

Then the Right Rev Bishop proceeded with his written declaration as above to the centre of the Sanctuary and, having genuflected, ascended to the altar, and on the altar subscribed his declaration with his name and title, then his declaration so signed was placed before the crucifix and remained there during the holy sacrifice of the Mass which the Most Rev the Archbishop commenced to celebrate and at which the Right Rev Bishop was present.

Now all this was done in the Church of St John the Evangelist … in … Perth in Western Australia, and to the truth of this record, the undersigned bears testimony, being witness to every circumstance mentioned therein.”

Before the end of the week Brady sought to recover his lost powers through the Civil Court but was unsuccessful. The following week the Rev John Coyle took Archbishop Polding to Court for wages owing to him and a letter of protest against Polding appeared in the Perth Gazette.

1 August 1852
Polding was not prepared to put up with this lack of peace any further and so, on Sunday, 1 August 1852, the bell of the church was rung to summon the faithful, the book of transgressions was read and the anathema pronounced. Candles held by the congregation were flung down and the transgressors were locked out of the church.

Polding made the following pronouncement: “All such parties we declare to be Excommunicated from the Holy Roman Catholic Church of God, to have no part in the prayers, sacrifices, sacraments, whilst living, and when dead to be denied the rites of and place of Christian burial.”

By request of Governor Fitzgerald, a passage had been arranged for Bishop Brady on the Eugene and so on 19 September when the Eugene was ready to sail, Serra’s agent Martin Butler mounted the deck to hand the impecunious Dr Brady £130 which had been agreed upon for his fare to Rome. Brady had promised to pay the passages of four families to Melbourne. Captain Beauvais descended upon him and demanded the fares. Brady was penniless once more. He left Fremantle for Melbourne, never to return alive to Perth. Not long after that, Cardinal Fransoni wrote to Bishop Serra, enclosing a personal letter from the Pope addressed to Brady. It commanded him to leave Australia but arrived too late as Brady had already departed.

24 August 1853
Archbishop Paul Cullen of Dublin wrote to Cardinal Fransoni, “… in regard to Mgr Brady who is mentioned in the same letter, he has not yet appeared in Ireland. I feel however that he is not acting too well since I see that a Pamphlet has been put in circulation against Mgr Polding and in favour of Mgr Brady which displays a bad spirit. This Pamphlet is anonymous and the place of printing is not indicated. Since it contains all the correspondence which passed between the Archbishop and Mgr Brady it lies open to suspicion that it is the work of the latter’s pen.” Although Bishop of Perth until the end of his life in 1871, Brady left Perth in 1852; Bishop Serra was then able to carry out his appointment as Apostolic Administrator from 1852 until his resignation was accepted in 1862. He never assumed the title Bishop of Perth.

24 September 1853
Dr Richard Madden wrote to Dr Meagher, Vicar General of the Diocese of Dublin, “…in the performance of his clerical duties – I mean, administering the Sacraments, assisting at the altar visiting the sick, promoting the education of the poor … in assisting the distressed, and, above all, in dealing charitably and kindly with the poor natives – I can safely say that the conduct of Dr Brady was exemplary.”

27 September 1853
Again Dr Madden wrote to Dr Meagher, “On my arrival in the Swan River Settlement, of which I was Colonial Secretary, I found Dr Brady contending single-handed against the entire local Government … I found Dr Brady battling for his Mission stoutly and sincerely, not always discreetly or effectually … Without his pertinacity, and I would say daring, in confronting powerful opposition, in contending against adverse circumstances of the most formidable kind, the Mission would never have been established.”

1 October 1853
Archbishop Paul Cullen to Kirby in Rome, “… Mgr Brady is at present here in Dublin. He is fully repentant of all that has happened. Do me the favour of begging the Holy Father to deign to enable him to be absolved from the censures and irregularity incurred by the default for which he is now repentant. He does not say Mass any longer and has promised to be obedient for the future. Obtain this favour as soon as possible.”

23 November 1853
Archbishop Paul Cullen to Cardinal Fransoni, “… In regard to Mgr Brady I have already carried out the commission entrusted to me by absolving him from the censures and giving him the allowance assigned to him. He has retired now to make his retreat amongst the Trappist monks of Mount Melleray. He says he will soon go to Rome …”

7 April 1855
The nominations for by-elections in Cavan took place in the entrance hall of Cavan Courthouse at 10 o’clock on Easter Sunday. The candidates and their supporters occupied the balcony at the top of the stairs. Hughes’ friends consisted of priests, some prominent laymen and one or two members of the established Church. In all, 16 priests are mentioned; 12 of them, including one Bishop – Bishop John Brady on the balcony with Hughes.

26 July 1855
The Examinations in St Augustine’s College, Cavan. The usual examinations came off last week before Dr Browne, Dr Brady, Rev John O’Reilly, Rev Patrick Magauran and Rev Edward Lynch. The solemnity that year was provided by the presence of two Bishops. Dr Brady, Bishop of Perth and a native of Castletara, was on an extended visit to Bishop Browne. He presented a chalice to the Academy where his nephew John Smith of Cavan Town was a student. Matthew and Patrick Gibney and Hugh Brady were present among the students.

10 June 1856
During a trip by students of St Augustine’s College to Bellamount Forest in the Anglo Celt, “… Dr Browne and Dr Brady, on their morning walk to the chapel were cheered loudly from the passing cars.”
Part II: Brady at Vatican I – but not in official photos.