Diocesan News
Friday 8 August was the Feast of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Mary MacKillop led an extraordinary life. She was born on January 15, 1842, in Fitzroy, Melbourne, to Scottish immigrants Alexander and Flora MacKillop. She passed away on August 8, 1909, in North Sydney. Despite early financial hardships that led to what she considered an “unhappy” childhood, Mary’s life took a remarkable turn.
At the age of 18, she moved to Penola, South Australia, to work as a governess for relatives. During her time there, she crossed paths with Fr Julian Tenison Woods. Together, they established a school for underprivileged children. This initiative laid the foundation for the creation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, making Mary the founder of Australia’s first religious institute.
In 1871, a dispute with the Bishop of Adelaide led to Mary’s excommunication (the act of refusing to allow someone to be involved in the Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church, and not allowing that person to take part in the Sacraments). The following year, the Bishop reversed this decision, acknowledging Mary’s innocence. In a testament to her commitment, Mary journeyed to Rome in 1873/74. There, she secured the Pope’s approval for the rule of her Order, a significant achievement.
Under Mary’s guidance, the Sisters of St Joseph thrived. They embarked on a mission to provide education, especially in remote and rural Australia, (including in the Ballarat Diocese) also caring for orphans, and engaging in other charitable endeavours across the countryside. Despite facing challenges, Mary’s determination remained unwavering.
The Sisters of St Joseph continue Mary MacKillop’s legacy today. They serve the disadvantaged in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, Scotland, Ireland, and Peru. Her story resonates as a testament to the transformative power of determination education and compassion.
Adapted from Diocese of Parramatta.
Acknowledgment: https://www.marymackillopplace.org.au
Reprinted from Catholic Education Ballarat Newsletter – August 6
Prayer for the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
God, through the intercession of Mary MacKillop,
we pray that the fire of your compassion will ignite many hearts.
May Mary’s attentiveness to your dream inspire us.
May her energy to overcome injustice empower us.
May we, like her, make manifest your Presence in our troubled world.
We pray that the beacon of her holiness shine
as a blessing for the universal Church and our world.
We make this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Image used with permission of the artist and the Trustees of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Must not be reproduced without permission of the Trustees
Mary MacKillop Feast Day Resources
Prayer & Reflection: St Mary MacKillop Feastday Reflections; Praying With St Mary MacKillop
Three Days of Prayer: Based on the Liturgy of the Word for the Solemnity of Mary MacKillop
Tomb of St Mary MacKillop: Spend some time in quiet reflection at Mary’s Tomb.
Feast Day Resource for Schools: A module entitled, “Mary MacKillop Woman of God” for use by schools to support the celebration of the Feast of St Mary MacKillop.