St. Mary Mackillop – christianapostles.com

St. Mary Mackillop Biography

Mary Helen MacKillop, also known as Saint Mary of the Cross, was an Australian Roman Catholic nun who founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. She was born on January 15, 1842, in Melbourne, Australia, to Alexander and Flora MacKillop. Mary was the eldest of eight children and grew up in a household that was deeply Catholic.

After receiving her primary education, Mary began working as a governess and teacher to support her family. In 1866, she and Father Julian Tenison Woods co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph, a religious institute of women dedicated to the education of the poor. The order was established in Penola, South Australia, and soon expanded to other parts of the country.

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, including opposition from within the Church, Mary remained committed to her work. She believed in the importance of education as a means of lifting people out of poverty and helping them to reach their full potential.

In 1872, Mary was excommunicated by Bishop Shiel for insubordination, but the decision was later reversed. Despite this, Mary continued to face opposition and criticism from some within the Church, and in 1877, the Sisters of St Joseph were dissolved by the government. However, Mary remained determined and worked to rebuild the order, which was eventually recognized by the Church in 1891.

Mary died on August 8, 1909, in North Sydney, Australia. She was beatified in 1995 and canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2010. Today, the Sisters of St Joseph continue to work in education and social justice, following in the footsteps of their founder, Saint Mary MacKillop.

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Detailed Biography of Saint Mary MacKillop: The First Australian Saint

Saint Mary MacKillop, also known as Mother Mary of the Cross, was a religious social reformer and educator who cofounded Australia’s first order of nuns, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, in 1866. The order was devoted to teaching and charity and established several schools and welfare institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on education for the rural poor. She was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, becoming the first Australian saint of the Roman Catholic Church. In this blog post, we will explore her life, her legacy and her miracles.

Early Life and Ministry

Mary Helen MacKillop was born on 15 January 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne, to Alexander MacKillop and Flora MacDonald, both Scottish immigrants. She was baptised as Maria Ellen, but was always known as Mary. She had seven siblings, four of whom died in childhood. Her father had studied for the priesthood in Rome and Scotland, but left before being ordained. He was a well-educated man who taught his children music, literature, languages and history, but he also struggled with financial difficulties and alcoholism.

Mary started working at the age of 14 as a clerk, a teacher and a governess to support her family. She had a strong faith and a desire to dedicate her life to God. In 1860, she moved to Penola, South Australia, where she met Father Julian Tenison-Woods, a priest who shared her vision of providing education to the poor and isolated children of the colony. Together, they opened a school in a stable in Penola, where Mary taught the children with the help of her sisters and some local women.

Foundation of the Sisters of St Joseph

In 1866, Mary and Father Woods founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a religious congregation that followed a simple rule of poverty, chastity and obedience. The sisters wore brown habits and lived among the people they served. They travelled by foot or horseback to remote areas, setting up schools, orphanages, refuges and hospitals. They faced many challenges, such as lack of funds, harsh conditions, opposition from some clergy and bishops, and even excommunication.

Mary was elected as the first superior general of the order in 1867. She took the religious name of Mary of the Cross. She was a charismatic leader who inspired many young women to join her mission. She also had a deep trust in God’s providence and a compassionate heart for the needy. She wrote: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Excommunication and Reinstatement

In 1871, Mary faced a severe trial when she was excommunicated by Bishop Laurence Sheil of Adelaide for alleged insubordination. The bishop had been misled by some priests who were hostile to Mary and her order. He accused her of disobeying his authority and spreading false doctrines. He also ordered her to leave Adelaide and dissolve her congregation.

Mary accepted the excommunication with humility and obedience, saying: “I do not know how to describe the feeling but I was intensely happy and felt nearer to God than I had ever felt before.” She continued to lead her sisters from Sydney, where she had moved after being expelled from Adelaide. She also appealed to Rome for justice.

In 1872, after an investigation by a papal commission, Mary was vindicated and the excommunication was lifted by Bishop Sheil himself on his deathbed. He admitted that he had been deceived and asked for Mary’s forgiveness. Mary forgave him and resumed her work in Adelaide.

Expansion and Consolidation

In the following years, Mary travelled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand to visit and establish new foundations of her order. She also made several trips to Rome to seek approval for her rule and constitutions. She faced many difficulties, such as illness, conflicts, criticism and misunderstandings, but she also experienced many joys and blessings.

By 1891, there were over 300 sisters in her congregation. However, there were also growing tensions between Mary and some bishops who wanted more control over the sisters and their ministries. A group of dissident sisters led by Father Horan rebelled against Mary’s authority and formed a separate branch of the order in South Australia.

Mary was removed from her position as superior general in 1893 by Bishop Reynolds of Adelaide. She was replaced by Sister Bernard Walsh, who was more compliant with the bishop’s wishes. Mary accepted this decision with grace and loyalty to the church. She said: “God bless you all my own dear Sisters … whatever troubles may be before you … bear them all patiently … God will take care of His own.”

Later Years and Death

In 1899, Mary was re-elected as superior general after the intervention of the Holy See. She tried to heal the divisions and restore the unity of her order. She also continued to support and encourage her sisters in their apostolic works. She suffered a stroke in 1902, which left her partially paralyzed. She spent her last years in a wheelchair, but remained cheerful and prayerful.

She died on 8 August 1909 in North Sydney, surrounded by her sisters and friends. She was 67 years old. Her last words were: “God’s will be done.” She was buried at the Gore Hill cemetery, but her remains were later transferred to a chapel in North Sydney, which is now a shrine and museum dedicated to her.

Canonization and Legacy

The process of canonization for Mary MacKillop began in 1925. She was declared venerable in 1978, beatified in 1995 and canonized in 2010. Pope John Paul II, who beatified her, said: “In Mary MacKillop we see a woman whose greatness lay not so much in what she did but in how she did it.” Pope Benedict XVI, who canonized her, said: “She dedicated herself as a young woman to the education of the poor in the difficult and demanding terrain of rural Australia.”

Mary MacKillop is recognized as a model of holiness, courage, perseverance and love for God and neighbors. She is the patron saint of Australia, the Archdiocese of Brisbane and the Knights of the Southern Cross. Her feast day is celebrated on 8 August. Her order, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, continues to serve the church and society in various fields of education, health care, social justice and pastoral care.

Mary MacKillop is also known for her miracles. The church has officially recognized two miracles attributed to her intercession: the healing of a woman with terminal leukemia in 1961 and the healing of a woman with inoperable lung cancer in 1993. Many other people have claimed to have experienced physical, emotional or spiritual healings through her prayers.

Saint Mary MacKillop was a remarkable woman who devoted her life to God and to the service of the poor and marginalized. She faced many trials and tribulations, but she never lost her faith or her joy. She was a pioneer of Catholic education and social work in Australia and New Zealand. She was a faithful daughter of the church and a loyal friend of God. She is an inspiration and an intercessor for all who seek to follow Christ in their daily lives.

Who are the Sisters of St. Joseph

The Sisters of St. Joseph, also known as the Josephites, are a Roman Catholic religious institute of women founded in Australia in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods. The order was founded with the mission of helping the poor and marginalized, particularly in rural areas, and its members work in a variety of fields including education, healthcare, social work, and other areas of charitable service. The Sisters of St. Joseph are known for their commitment to social justice and their dedication to serving the needs of those in need. Today, the Sisters of St. Joseph can be found in many countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and other countries. Do you have any other questions about the Sisters of St. Joseph?

Why is St. Mary Mackillop the Patron Saint of Australia?

St. Mary Mackillop was declared the patron saint of Australia in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, following her canonization as a saint by the Catholic Church. St. Mary Mackillop is considered a significant figure in Australian history, as she was the co-founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a Roman Catholic religious institute of women who have made significant contributions to education, healthcare, and other areas of charitable service in Australia.

St. Mary Mackillop is also remembered for her tireless work on behalf of the poor and marginalized, and for her efforts to promote social justice and equality. These qualities, along with her deep faith and devotion to God, have made her a popular and revered figure in Australia and around the world. As the patron saint of Australia, St. Mary Mackillop is prayed to and venerated by Catholics in the country as a model of holiness and as an intercessor before God.

Miracles of St. Mary Mackillop

One of the most well-known miracles attributed to St. Mary Mackillop’s intercession is the healing of a man named Tony Magoris, who was suffering from advanced cancer. According to reports, Mr. Magoris was prayed over by a group of nuns and his cancer went into remission shortly thereafter. This miraculous healing was recognized by the Catholic Church as a sign of St. Mary Mackillop’s holiness and her ability to intercede with God on behalf of those who pray to her.

Another reported miracle involving St. Mary Mackillop is the miraculous recovery of a boy named Patrick O’Sullivan, who was hit by a car and suffered serious injuries. According to reports, Patrick’s mother prayed to St. Mary Mackillop for her son’s recovery and he made a full recovery despite the severity of his injuries. This miraculous recovery was also recognized by the Catholic Church as a sign of St. Mary Mackillop’s holiness and her ability to intercede with God on behalf of those who pray to her.

These are just a few examples of the miracles that have been attributed to St. Mary Mackillop’s intercession. These miracles were considered by the Catholic Church to be evidence of St. Mary Mackillop’s holiness and her ability to intercede with God on behalf of those who pray to her.

Prayers to St. Mary Mackillop

Prayer of Intercession to St. Mary Mackillop

St. Mary MacKillop, you were a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for all those you encountered. Please pray for me that I may also find the strength and determination to persevere through all challenges and obstacles, and to always keep hope alive in my heart. May your example of faith and love guide me on my journey, and may I always strive to be a source of light and hope for those around me. Amen.

Prayer to St. Mary Mackillop

Dear St. Mary MacKillop, you were a woman of great faith and trust in God’s plan for your life. Please pray for me that I may also have the strength and courage to trust in God’s plan for my life, no matter how difficult the road may seem. Help me to always turn to Him in times of need, and to find comfort and peace in His loving embrace.

Quotes by St. Mary Mackillop

Here are some quotes by St. Mary MacKillop:

“Never see a need without doing something about it.”
“We must have love, patience, and courage if we are to be of any use in the world.”
“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.”
“It is through loving and being loved that we come to know the fullness of life.”
“Love and courage are the most important things in life.”
“God is always with us, even in the darkest of times.”
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Children’s Story about the life of St. Mary Mackillop

Once, in the land of Australia, there was a little girl named Mary. Mary was a very special girl because she loved helping others and making the world a better place.

When Mary grew up, she became a nun and started a religious order called the Sisters of St Joseph. The Sisters of St Joseph were a group of women who dedicated their lives to helping the poor and educating children.

Mary worked very hard to make sure that every child had the opportunity to learn, no matter how poor they were. She traveled all over Australia, building schools and helping children to read and write.

Sometimes, Mary faced challenges and obstacles in her work. Some people did not agree with what she was doing and tried to stop her. But Mary never gave up. She always stood up for what she believed in and worked even harder to help others.

Eventually, Mary’s hard work and dedication paid off. The Sisters of St Joseph became very successful and helped thousands of children to get an education. Mary was so loved and respected that she was made a saint by the Pope, and people all over the world knew her as St. Mary MacKillop.

To this day, the Sisters of St Joseph continue to help children and make the world a better place, just as St. Mary MacKillop did. And Mary’s message of love, kindness, and compassion lives on, inspiring people everywhere to make a difference in the world.

Reflection on the Feast of St. Mary Mackillop

Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Mackillop on August 8th

On the feast of St. Mary MacKillop, it is important to remember and reflect on her remarkable life and her dedication to helping others. St. Mary was a woman of great faith and compassion, and she used her gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.

One of the most inspiring aspects of St. Mary’s life was her commitment to education. She recognized the power of education to transform lives and lift people out of poverty, and she worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for children to learn and grow.

Another important aspect of St. Mary’s life was her willingness to stand up for what she believed in, even in the face of opposition and criticism. She never let adversity discourage her, but instead used it as a motivation to work harder and help more people.

As we celebrate the feast of St. Mary MacKillop, we can draw inspiration from her example and seek to follow her lead in our own lives. We can strive to be more compassionate and caring towards others, and to use our talents and gifts to make the world a better place. We can also be courageous in standing up for what we believe in and never letting adversity hold us back.

May St. Mary MacKillop’s life and example continue to inspire and guide us as we seek to follow in her footsteps and serve others with love and compassion.

Lessons learned from St. Mary Mackillop

There are many lessons that we can learn from the life of St. Mary MacKillop. Some of the most important ones include:

The power of education: St. Mary recognized the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for children to learn and grow. She believed that education was a means of lifting people out of poverty and helping them to reach their full potential.
The importance of compassion and service: St. Mary was known for her deep compassion and her desire to help others. She dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalized, and her work continues to make a difference in the world today.
The value of perseverance and determination: St. Mary faced many challenges and setbacks in her work, but she never gave up. She remained determined and persevered through difficult times, always striving to do what was right and to help others.
The power of love and kindness: St. Mary was a woman of great love and kindness, and her actions were always motivated by a desire to help others. She showed us the importance of loving and caring for others, no matter how difficult it may be.
The need to stand up for what we believe in: St. Mary was not afraid to stand up for what she believed in, even in the face of opposition and criticism. She taught us the importance of being true to our values and beliefs, and of standing up for what is right.

Next up: Biography of St. Mary Magdalene

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