Faith

This fortnight the Church commemorates two important Marys in our faith tradition.

Mary MacKillop

On August 8 we celebrate the feast day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. 

Mary MacKillop founded the ‘The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart’, an order dedicated to education and caring for the poor. The Order was officially recognized in 1885 by Pope Leo XIII. Sister Mary through the Order worked for establishing schools, orphanages, and homes for the ill, across Australia, and New Zealand. Mary died in August 1909. 

Just over 100 years later, Pope Benedict XVI declared Mary a Saint in the Universal Church at a Canonisation Celebration in Rome on 17 October. Mary named ’St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’- Australia’s first Saint.

Prayer

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop

To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit

so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

On August 15 the Church recognises The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”. God chose Mary to be the mother of his son, Jesus. Mary was always ready and willing to do whatever God wanted. Because she was so special she was taken up body and soul to be with Jesus in heaven – this is what ‘Assumption’ means. 

Suzanne Deefholts

Religious Education Leader