God of all blessings, you revealed in Mary MacKillop a sensitivity to the rights and dignity of every person, regardless of race or creed. May we learn from her to overcome the obstacles of prejudice and fear. Help us to value the goodness of each person and all the blessings of unity in diversity. We ask this through you, our bountiful God, who hold all things in being. Amen

Saint Mary of the Cross (Feast Day- August 8th)

Saint Mary MacKillop, the first Australian saint, is deeply admired for her strength of character, commitment to education, and unwavering faith. Her life and values continue to inspire people worldwide, particularly in the areas of service, compassion, and perseverance.

Key Values of St. Mary MacKillop:

Faith
- Mary MacKillop's unwavering trust in God’s plan was central to her life. Despite the challenges and hardships she faced, she relied on her deep faith to guide her actions.
- "Never see a need without doing something about it. "This phrase exemplifies her belief in putting faith into action, not just in words but through service to others.
Compassion and Service
- Mary was deeply committed to the welfare of others, especially those who were marginalised. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, had access to education and a safe environment.
- "If we are to have any hope of Heaven, it must be through love and service to others." Her dedication to helping the poor, the needy, and the sick was not just a religious duty but a profound personal calling.
Courage and Perseverance
- Throughout her life, Mary faced personal, social, and religious challenges—whether it was opposition from church authorities or the hardship of running schools in isolated communities. She exemplified courage in the face of adversity.
- "Go and make a difference where you are." This reflects her conviction that no matter how difficult the task, one could make a positive impact in any environment by living with purpose.
Humility and Simplicity
- Despite founding the Sisters of St. Joseph, a congregation that grew to become influential across Australia, Mary lived a simple life. She never sought recognition for herself and always focused on serving others.
- "The most simple and humble work, when done in the name of God, is the work of a saint." Mary demonstrated that holiness is found in the small, everyday acts of love and kindness.
Trust in God’s Providence
- She had a firm belief that God would provide for her and the work she was called to do, even when things looked bleak.
- "Trust in God is the key to all." This was a guiding principle for Mary as she faced challenges in the establishment of her schools and religious order.
Education and Empowerment
- Mary MacKillop strongly believed in the transformative power of education, particularly for the poor and those most in need of support. She saw education as a pathway to independence and empowerment.
- "Educate the children, and that will be the way to peace and love in the world." She believed that educating young minds was one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting difference in society.

Famous Sayings of St. Mary MacKillop:

“Be gentle and careful in your judgment of others, and trust in God to provide.”
“We must teach more by example than by word.”
“Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.”
"It is better to be united in the work of God than to seek personal gain."
“God is good, and He will never leave us in our struggles.”

These values and sayings offer a glimpse into the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop. Her life is a testament to living with purpose, compassion, and faith.

At Resurrection School, we are all encouraged to 'Step Up' to live by the values of our first Australian saint.

All the best,

Jane Dunstone

PRINCIPAL

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