Norman Thomas Gilroy facts for kids
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Norman Thomas Gilroy was an important Australian leader in the Catholic Church. He was the first Australian-born cardinal, which is a very high rank in the Catholic Church, just below the Pope. He became a priest in 1923. From 1940 until he retired in 1971, he was the Archbishop of Sydney.
In 1969, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This was a special honor, as he was the first Roman Catholic cardinal to receive a knighthood since the English Reformation hundreds of years ago. In 1970, he was named Australian of the Year, a big award for people who have done great things for Australia. He was born in Glebe, a part of Sydney, New South Wales.
Gilroy passed away on 21 October 1977 in Lewisham, New South Wales. He was 81 years old.
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Who Was Norman Thomas Gilroy?
Norman Thomas Gilroy was a very important person in the history of the Catholic Church in Australia. He was known for his leadership and for being the first Australian to reach the high rank of cardinal. This meant he was a special advisor to the Pope and could even vote for a new Pope.
Early Life and Becoming a Priest
Norman Thomas Gilroy was born on 22 January 1896. His family lived in Glebe, a suburb of Sydney. From a young age, he felt a calling to serve the Church.
He studied hard to become a priest. In 1923, he was ordained, meaning he officially became a priest. This was the start of his long and dedicated service to the Catholic community.
A Leader of the Church
After becoming a priest, Norman Gilroy quickly showed his skills as a leader. He was appointed as the Archbishop of Sydney in 1940. An archbishop is a very important bishop who leads a large area of the Church called an archdiocese.
As Archbishop of Sydney, he was in charge of many churches and Catholic schools. He worked hard to support the Catholic community in Australia for over 30 years. He retired from this role in 1971.
Important Awards and Recognition
Norman Thomas Gilroy received several important honors during his life. These awards showed how much he was respected for his work.
- Cardinal: In 1946, he was made a cardinal by Pope Pius XII. This was a historic moment because he was the first Australian-born person to become a cardinal.
- Knighthood: In 1969, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This was a very special award, and it was rare for a Catholic cardinal to receive such an honor in England.
- Australian of the Year: In 1970, he was named the Australian of the Year. This award celebrates Australians who have made a big difference to the country. It showed that his contributions were recognized by everyone, not just within the Church.
His life was a great example of service and leadership.
Images for kids
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Gilroy circa 1955, standing before a statue of the Virgin Mary
See also
In Spanish: Norman Thomas Gilroy para niños
