More than 150 years after his death, Tasmania’s first Catholic Bishop has been laid to rest in the state.
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Robert William Willson, originally from England, was Bishop in Hobart from 1844 and became known for his devotion to those in poverty.
In 1865, Bishop Willson left on a trip back to England, but died the next year and was buried in Nottingham.
Earlier this year, his body was exhumed and brought back to Tasmania in February, following the tradition of the church for bishops to be buried in their cathedral.
Last week, Bishop Willson was reinterred in the St Mary’s Cathedral crypt, the same building he had commissioned for construction.
Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous said Bishop Willson worked hard to improve conditions for convicts.
“He had great compassion and concern for those who were needy and he was able, as an Englishman, to be able to negotiate along with government both here and in London,” he said.