Strength and Kindliness
The Legacy of St Mary MacKillop
This year (on the 17th of October) we will celebrate nine years since St Mary MacKillop was canonised.
St Mary was recognised for her life long commitment to the poor, particularly in setting up schools through the order she co-founded, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
Mary MacKillop had a clear and definite preferential option for the poor. Her actions over a century ago, had impacted on the lives of thousands of students. Yet her own story is that of an ordinary Australian, who like other Saints that started schools, did so because she saw a clear and present need. Mary realised that education was one thing that could end the poverty cycle and give young people the chance to become the person that God called them to be.
We often think of Saints as heroic and in one sense, the very independent and strong willed Mary MacKillop was exactly that; heroic. She stood as defender of the plight of the poor. She was a person in whom the weak could seek refuge and counsel. She was and continues to be a beacon of hope for so many people. For Mary, there was a cost but this was her mission in life, entrusted to her by God.
In the process Mary teaches everyone a magnificent lesson. The poor is where you see the face of Christ. The weak is where the strength of Christ can be seen. Those in need is where the compassion of Christ is profound.
Her motto, 'never see a need without doing something about it', still has relevance in the world today. The speed of change, the grandeur with which we can do things, the profound influence that technology can and does have in our life , can lead us to a place that is lonely and dismissive of others. More than ever, Mary MacKillop has a message that we should all hear and act upon.
When was the last time you saw a need and did something about it? When you do, be prepared to also find Christ in that moment.
Would you like to know more about Mary's life and work?
Watch....
Shaping a Nation - St Mary MacKillop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOqGWciHi70
In the Spirit of St Mary of the Cross we pray this week for all who live in fear of the future, that they will be set free to work for a better world.
We pray for church communities around the world. May they be wellsprings of hope for all in this time of global upheaval and uncertainty.
We pray in thanksgiving for the people of faith who have made a difference in our lives. May their example continue to guide and inspire us.
We pray for the young people of the world. May this week’s United Nations Day for Youth give them hope for the survival of Planet Earth, their home.
We pray for all whose homelands are places of violence, civil unrest or natural disaster. May they be given both emergency relief and a pledge of lasting support.
We pray for those who cannot afford both food and heating this winter. May they receive the income support they need for these basic necessities of life.
We pray for one another. May we be faithful stewards of God’s kingdom and hold fast to its true riches.
We offer these spoken prayers and the prayers in our quietened hearts to our loving God.
Loving God, hear our prayers.
Kirrilee Westblade
Deputy Principal (Catholic Identity)
Have you read this Season's edition of Australian Catholics?
https://www.australiancatholics.com.au/current/aust-catholic-magazine
Have your read the current edition of our Diocesan newspaper Sandpiper?