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Ten years after her canonisation, the courage of Saint Mary MacKillop – Australia’s first and only saint – still resonates within the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a religious order founded by the St MacKillop with the assistance of Fr Julian Tenison-Woods in 1866 in Penola, SA.
More than 9000 Australians travelled to be among the tens-of-thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, to celebrate St MacKillop’s canonisation on 17 October 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
This year, the Josephites took the opportunity to celebrate her tin anniversary by reflecting on the saint’s values and the person that she was.
Themed “Take Fresh Courage”, the celebration includes 10 days of commemorative prayers, videos, and a global vigil “courage” hour in her honour on 16 October at 6pm (AWST).
The Josephites believe that the theme chosen befits “the backdrop of the many challenges Australians have faced in 2020, taking inspiration from a letter written by St MacKillop in 1877”.
“In 1873, there were many troubles [she had to face]. In one of her letters, Mary wrote telling the Sisters ‘to take fresh courage’,” Sr Maree Riddler told The eRecord at Mary MacKillop Centre in South Perth.
Sr Maree and her fellow religious believe St MacKillop can be an inspiration Catholics across the country, as she overcame poverty and ex-communication while still maintaining faith at a young age.
Born on 15 January 1842, Mary was the eldest of eight children of Alexander and Flora MacKillop who faced poverty and struggled to stay together.
Realising the importance of education for children, Mary fought for Catholic education that she believed all Australian children deserved.
The saint began her journey as a layperson when she took a job as a governess at the estate of her aunt and uncle – Alexander and Margaret MacKillop Cameron in South Australia in 1860 – where she taught the children, including those from poor families. The opportunity led her to Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, who was a parish priest in the South East region.
Mary took her first teaching job in Portland VIC in 1862 and four years later, she and her two sisters, Annie and Lexie MacKillop, came to Penola to open a Catholic school. In the same year, Mary made a declaration of dedicating herself to God, began to wear black and took the religious name of “Sister Mary of the Cross“.
In 1873, Mary travelled to Rome to have “the rule of life” of the Josephites officially approved by Pope Pius IX.
Fifteen years later, Pope Leo XIII gave the final approval to the Josephites to “live in communities ministering throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, East Timor, Scotland and Brazil”.
Mary died on 8 August 1909 at the age of 67 after suffering from poor health throughout her life.
In his address to WA young Catholics who gathered in Sydney during the 2017 Australian Catholic Youth Festival, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB emphasised the need for young Catholics to follow the footsteps of Mary, who had courageously followed her path at such a young age.
“We need to be people like that, and that means we need to have eyes that are open because you won’t even see the needs if your eyes aren’t open – how can you respond if you haven’t seen the need in the first place?” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, stated that the anniversary of St MacKillop’s canonisation was “a chance for us to reflect on Mary’s legacy and the valuable lessons her life experiences have taught us”.
“She faced hard times and adversity over the years, from her family’s poverty to the loss of many loved ones throughout her life. She carried on, strengthened by her faith and her determination to serve others. She worked hard, travelled widely, and spoke courageously in love. She was a woman of strong convictions and great energy who treasured friendship and family.
“Mary always had a place in her heart for those most challenged by life’s circumstances,” Sr Monica continued.
“I am proud that the Sisters of Saint Joseph continue to follow in her footsteps today, and people from around the world find inspiration in her example.”
To participate and join the global courage hour online, click here: www.sosj.org.au/10th-anniversary/