11 Facts About Laurence Sheil

Laurence Bonaventure Sheil OFM was an Irish Franciscan friar, who served as the third Roman Catholic Bishop of Adelaide.

Laurence Sheil's reign was characterised by poor administration, with his extensive absence from the diocese contributing to severe factionalism within the clergy.

Laurence Sheil's mismanagement culminated in his excommunication of Mary MacKillop, who later became Australia's first saint.

Laurence Sheil died in March 1872, rescinding his excommunication of MacKillop on his deathbed.

Laurence Sheil was born on 24 December 1815 in Wexford, Ireland.

Laurence Sheil's failing health saw him moved to Ballarat in 1859, where he became archdeacon.

Laurence Sheil appointed Woods as the director general of Catholic education in the diocese, and by 1871, there were 71 Catholic schools in the diocese, more than half run by the Josephites.

In 1871, when Laurence Sheil returned from a visit to Europe, Horan's faction alleged that the Josephites were incompetent and ignorant, petitioning him to take direct control of the order.

Laurence Sheil, who was increasingly acting under Horan's influence, demoted Tenison Woods from his administrative position within the diocese, disbanded the Josephite novitiate and sought to bring the charitable activities and schools operated by the Sisters of St Joseph under the direct control of local bishops.

MacKillop refused to submit, and in response, Laurence Sheil excommunicated her for disobedience.

Laurence Sheil died of a carbuncle on 1 March 1872.