Newsletter

This week, we celebrated the feast day of Australia’s first saint recognised by the Catholic Church—Saint Mary MacKillop, who is commemorated on the 8th of August every year.

Australia's spiritual landscape was forever transformed when Mary MacKillop was canonised as a saint by the Catholic Church. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming Australia’s first saint is a testament to her unwavering faith, tireless dedication, and the profound impact she had on the Catholic faith and education in Australia.

Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Melbourne, Victoria, on January 15, 1842. Raised in a modest family, her early life was marked by financial struggles and personal hardship. Despite these challenges, Mary was deeply influenced by her faith and felt an immense sense of calling.

At 25, she took a spirited step with the mission to provide education to impoverished children in rural areas. Mary MacKillop’s visionary approach led to the establishment of the Sisters of St. Joseph, an order dedicated to the education and welfare of the underprivileged.

The order’s first school opened in Penola, South Australia, in 1866, and its influence rapidly spread across the country. Mary’s commitment to education was revolutionary at the time, particularly her emphasis on accessible schooling for children regardless of their socio-economic background.

Her innovative approach to education was characterised by a strong sense of community and inclusion. Mary and her Sisters often took on roles beyond teaching, providing healthcare, and offering support to struggling families. Her tireless work laid the foundation for what would become a nationwide network of schools and social services.

Mary MacKillop’s journey was not without adversity. She faced significant challenges, including conflicts with church authorities and personal health issues. Despite her dedication and the success of her mission, she was excommunicated in 1871 due to a dispute with church officials. However, her excommunication was lifted in 1872, and she was reconciled with the Church. This episode in her life was a testament to her resilience and steadfastness in the face of trials.

Mary MacKillop’s profound impact on education and social justice in Australia did not go unnoticed. After her death on August 8, 1909, her life of devotion and service continued to inspire. The process of her canonisation began in the 1960s, and in 1995, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II. On October 17, 2010, Mary MacKillop was canonised as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI, marking a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Saint Mary MacKillop’s legacy extends far beyond her canonisation. Her work established a lasting legacy in Catholic education, with the Sisters of St Joseph continuing to operate schools and social programs across Australia and beyond. Her life’s work emphasised the importance of education, compassion, and social justice—principles that remain integral to the mission of her order and the Catholic Church at large. This is similar to the legacy left by Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, who founded our College.

Mary MacKillop’s canonisation as Australia’s first saint is a reflection of her extraordinary contributions to the Catholic faith and society. Her life’s work—marked by dedication, innovation, and resilience—serves as a powerful example of living out one’s faith through service and compassion. As we reflect on her legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact one person’s faith and commitment can have on the world, continuing to inspire generations to come.

Prayer for Mary MacKillop from the St Columban’s Mission Society

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.
With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop.
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.

Michael Chesser
Director, Catholic Mission & Mercy Ethos