Laurence Sheil

Who was Laurence Sheil?

Laurence Bonaventure Sheil OFM was an Irish Franciscan friar, who served as the third Bishop of Adelaide. Born in Ireland, Sheil was sent to the British Colony of New South Wales in Australia after ordained a priest. There, he served as an educator and administrator, before poor health saw him move to Ballarat as archdeacon.

In 1866, Sheil became the third Bishop of Adelaide. His reign was characterised by poor administration, with his extensive absence from the diocese contributing to severe factionalism within the clergy. Sheil's mismanagement culminated in his excommunication of Mary MacKillop, who later became Australia's first saint. He died in March 1872, rescinding his excommunication of MacKillop on his deathbed.