Faith

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop)

This week the Church celebrates Australia’s first saint, Saint 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 to establish 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 was 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.

Suzanne Deefholts 

Religious Education Leader