John Bede Polding joined the Benedictine Order in 1811 and was ordained a priest in 1819. Consecrated bishop, he arrived in Sydney in 1835.

From 1834, when Polding inherited a nation-wide church and a handful of priests until his death in 1877, he worked tirelessly to bring priests and many religious orders to Australia, to establish primary and secondary schools, the University College of St John's, the Cathedral of St Mary's (twice gutted by fire), a seminary for priestly training, a Catholic hospital and 82 parish churches throughout the colony.

The colour gold captures the school colour of the Benedictine Downside School where Polding was a Headmaster.

Character Strength Virtue - Wisdom