The story behind

The Society of St Paul officially began in Australia on August 20, 1953, with Fr. Bernard Gnata as the Superior of the first community. The early community focused on importing and distributing religious materials, most notably Famiglia Cristiana from Italy. A printery was established and a bookshop opened in Sydney which was later transferred to the Daughters of St. Paul. In 1972 a formation house was opened in Melbourne (Scoresby) with a printery attached. In 1996 a house was opened in Brisbane where the congregation took over the operation of the Archdiocesan Catholic bookshop, A short while later the house in Melbourne was closed. In 2023 a second bookshop was opened in Australia, at our house in Sydney

In 1988, Australia became a self-governing Region, with Fr. Michael Goonan as its first Regional Superior. 

Throughout the 70 years of its history Paulines from many countries have served in Australia, most notably from Italy in the early years and later from India and the Philippines. During that time the congregation’s apostolic activities have grown significantly and our publishing apostolate has made a significant contribution to the Church in Australia, Key initiatives included the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for Australia and New Zealand, Sunday bulletins, and liturgical texts. In recent years we have become a major importer and distributor in Australia of religious titles published in the USA, UK, Philippines and India.

In January 2019 the Australian Region was suppressed due to a shortage of members and the House of Sydney became a house Dependent on the General Government. In May 2025 the General Government created the Philippines-Australia Province, with the House of Sydney being integrated into the new Province.