Saint Mary Mackillop

Saint Mary Mackillop, also known as Maria Ellen MacKillop or Mother Mary of the Cross, was born on January 15, 1842, in Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia. She was the eldest child of Alexander and Flora MacKillop, Scottish emigrants who had come to Australia in search of a better life. Alexander had initially studied for the priesthood but was not ordained. Mary received her education both from private schools and her father, who played a significant role in her education. In her teenage years, Mary worked as a nursery governess and store clerk to help support her family financially. Her commitment to her family and her dedication to her work were evident from a young age. In 1862, Mary became a tutor in Melbourne, Australia, and later took on the role of a teacher at the Portland School #510. Her passion for education led her to establish a "Seminary for Young Ladies" in her own home. She was highly regarded for her holiness and her diligent work in the local church. Throughout her life, Mary felt a deep calling to the religious life; however, she also felt responsible for supporting her family through teaching. An opportunity arose for her to pursue her vocation when a scandal, instigated by a jealous and corrupt education official, led to her leaving the school without guilt, with the support of her family. Mary and her sister relocated to Penola, South Australia, where she encountered Father Julian Tennison Woods. Together, they opened a free Catholic school for the poor. In 1866, Mary co-founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the first religious order in Australia. The order aimed to educate underprivileged children in remote areas and received episcopal approval in 1868. Under Mary's guidance, the order quickly grew, and she oversaw seventeen schools. However, Mary's independent nature and her progressive ideas caused concern among Church authorities. She was ordered by her bishop to surrender control of the schools and her order, as rumors and exaggerated stories about her circulated. Mary, steadfast in her convictions, refused and was subsequently excommunicated in 1871. Despite the deep hurt caused by the excommunication, she never blamed Church officials and instead prayed for a positive outcome. In 1872, after the accusations against her were proven baseless, her bishop publicly apologized, and Mary was reinstated into full communion. In 1873, Mary visited Pope Blessed Pius IX, and she embarked on a journey through England, Ireland, and Scotland to seek support and funds for her schools. In 1875, she became the Superior-General of her Order and dedicated the rest of her life to traveling from house to house within the Order, working tirelessly to improve education for the poor and advocating for better conditions for the Indigenous Aboriginal population. Mary's commitment to her mission was also evident in her prolific correspondence. Over 1,000 of her letters have survived, showcasing her dedication and care for her students, the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and the communities they served. Today, her order continues its impactful work, with hundreds of Sisters in Australia, New Zealand, and Peru continuing her legacy. Saint Mary Mackillop passed away on August 8, 1909, in Sydney, Australia, following a stroke. Her relics were transferred to a vault at the Mother of God in the Memorial Chapel, Mount Street, Sydney. She was officially venerated on June 13, 1992, by Pope John Paul II, and was beatified on January 19, 1995, by the same pope. Finally, on October 17, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI canonized her, making her the first native-born Australian saint. Saint Mary Mackillop is revered as the patron saint of Australia and the Wagga Wagga Diocese in Australia. She is remembered for her unwavering dedication to education, her compassion for the poor, and her fervent trust in God, even in the face of adversity. Her life serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, and her legacy continues to impact the lives of many to this day.