Solemnity of St. Mary of the Cross (MacKillop)

Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne in 1842 and was the eldest of eight children of Alexander and Flora MacKillop. 

She began the Australian religious order named the Sisters of Joseph. She is remembered for her concern that children in isolated places of Australia be educated and also for her unselfish care of the poor. 

Mary Mackillop was canonised on October 17th,  2010 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Mary’s sainthood during a Canonisation Mass, in the presence of many thousands of people that was streamed live around the world. 

Mary MacKillop died in Sydney on August 8th 1909. Australia has indeed, been blessed by the life of St. Mary of the Cross. We celebrate the Solemnity of St. Mary of the Cross each year on August 8th. 

Loving God,

You show us in 

St. Mary of the Cross (MacKillop)

a woman of faith 

who accepted the cross of suffering.

Through her example may we grow 

in the selfless love and deep respect 

she showed for all. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord

Amen.