Next Monday, 8 August we celebrate the feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Australia’s first patron saint.
Mary MacKillop was born on 15 January 1842 in Melbourne, Victoria. Mary went to work as a teacher in a little country town in South Australia called Penola. There she met Father Julian Tenison Woods and together, in 1866, they began the first St Joseph’s School in an old stable. On 19 March 1866 (St Joseph’s Day) Mary started to wear a simple black dress and began the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph.
As a Sister, she dedicated her life to doing God’s work. As more and more young women joined Mary as Sisters, they were able to start more schools. All children were welcome at the Josephite schools, which provided free Catholic education. In Adelaide they opened a place for women who had nowhere to live, an orphanage and a house where poor people could come and stay. The Sisters visited people who were in gaol and those who were poor and sick. She died on 8 August 1909 in Alma Cottage, North Sydney. Mary MacKillop kept her faith in God and bravely challenged those who did not support her vision for a more caring world. Mary is an important Australian who spent her life helping people, especially children. She is Australia’s first Saint. The Sisters of St Joseph started St Mary’s School over 90 years ago (it was known as St Joseph’s then) and played an important part in the community until approximately five years ago.
We will celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop with Mass in the Church at 9.00am which will be led by Year 4/5. All are welcome to attend.
