RE NEWS
Religion News: Thursday the 2nd of August 2023
Feast Day of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop –Tuesday, August the 8th
Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary and unconventional life. As a woman of faith, courage and hope, she triumphed over adversity and obstacles, responding to the needs of her time.
On 17 October 2010 she was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is Australia’s first saint and throughout the universal Catholic church is now to be ‘honoured devoutly among all the saints’
https://www.sosj.org.au/our-story/saint-mary-mackillop/marys-story/
Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.
Along with Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.
Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.
Mary faced fierce opposition throughout her life, which at one point culminated in her being excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.
Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th-century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.
Liturgy for St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop – Tuesday, August the 8th at 9:05 am in the Junior Learning Space. Everyone is welcomed, encouraged and invited.
“Let no obstacle deter us from proceeding with courage.” – St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Kind Regards
Sue Benc