Joseph Basil Roper

Joseph Basil Roper was a Roman Catholic priest in Australia. He was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Toowoomba in Queensland.

Early life Roper was born on 9 March 1888 at Dennington near Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia. There he attended St Ann's College, run by the Sisters of Mercy and then transferred to the Christian Brothers' College in 1902 which had been established for boys in that year. On 30 November 1911 Roper was ordained a Roman Catholic priest at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney and commenced his service in the Diocese of Ballarat, Victoria.

As bishop, he was characterised for his efforts to get to know people. He increased the number of parishes in the diocese from 19 to 32.

Later life

In October 1952, Roper announced his retirement due to his failing health not being able to cope with the demands of his role, but continued in an administrative capacity until he was replaced. He was then appointed as Titular Bishop of Elusa. He retired to Ararat in Victoria, where he died on 28 July 1964.