Religious Education

Term 3, Week 3

The Feast of Mary MacKillop - 8th August

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 MacKillop passed away on August 8, 1909 in the Josephite convent in North Sydney. She was laid to rest at the Gore Hill cemetery, up the Pacific Highway from North Sydney.

MacKillop was beatified on January 19, 1995 by Pope John Paul II and she was canonized on October 17, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, making her the first Australian saint.

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.

Mary MacKillop stayed at the St Joseph's Convent beside our school five times as it was a halfway house between Sydney and Tenterfield. In the old convent there is a lot of special Mary MacKillop memorabilia.

https://www.marymackilloptoday.org.au/ten-things-about-mary/

Parishioner Visit - Week 2

Last Thursday, Billie and Cynthia visited Mrs Byers. The girls proudly spoke about our upcoming production of Snow White. Mrs Byers informed Billie and Cynthia about her family and house chores such as washing clothes in the copper (before electric washing machines).