February 19, 2010. Mary MacKillop was born in Melbourne in 1842 to an impoverished family. That existence, many believe, led her to devote her life to helping the poor and eventually founding The Sisters of Saint Joseph.
But her life’s work was not without its setbacks. She often found herself at odds with the priests and Bishops and that lead to her excommunication…but her grace in the face of adversity also made her a champion for many Australians.
Monica Cavanagh
Director, House of Mary MacKillop
“I think that Australians on the whole are a bit anti the authority, you know, and so they see her as standing up to the Bishops and you know and in spite of being excommunicated by them she won through in the end”
Soon after it was found that the accusations were false and she was reinstated. But Mary MacKillop held no ill will towards them.
And her story remains relevant.
Monica Cavanagh
Director, House of Mary MacKillop
“She had a great ability to forgive and she had great courage and I think that’s something she can give to young people”
The first step toward her canonization took place in 1995 when she was formally beatified by Pope John Paul II.
JMB/MC
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