On Sunday 8 August we celebrate the feast day of St Mary MacKillop, Australia’s only saint.
Born in Melbourne in 1842 from Scottish parents, she is best known for her activities in South Australia. Along with Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, she founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a congregation of religious sisters that established schools throughout Australia.
Her aim was to provide education to all people, especially the poor who would otherwise not be educated. Schools were established throughout cities, but particularly in rural areas. MacKillop, and her sisters, were also involved with orphanages, neglected children, girls in danger and the ill. Her work is still very much remembered today and her work with educating children was of great significance to Catholic education in this country.
Mary MacKillop displayed great strength and compassion, and her love for God and her endeavour to follow the teachings of Jesus meant that she had a great love for the poor, the deprived and the despised in her community, and great courage to do something about it.
We give thanks to St Mary MacKillop for showing us that all people are capable of displaying great courage and can therefore make a difference in the lives of others. She taught us also to deeply reflect on what is important in life.
“My dear child we must do all we can for the honour and glory of God” (Memories of Mary by those who knew her)
Enrico Caprioli
APRIM
