2010

Saturday 20 February 2010
Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint

Bishop Michael Malone has today expressed his joy at the news that Pope Benedict XVI has announced plans to canonise Blessed Mary MacKillop on October 17, 2010.

Bishop Michael says, “The announcement will strengthen people’s faith in Mary MacKillop and the inspirational way she led her life. Mary’s profound faith in God and others is an example to us all. She lived with uncertainty and yet had complete confidence in God. She defied convention and yet accepted others, flaws and all. She lived her commitment fully but was grounded in the reality of life.”

Mary MacKillop said in 1890, “God won’t ask you how others do the work committed to them but will ask you how you have done yours and in what spirit.”

“I know that our own Kathleen Evans will be rejoicing today, as she has a wonderful bond with St Mary MacKillop. Kathleen’s prayers, through Mary, led to her terminal cancer disappearing with no medical explanation,” said Bishop Michael.

He believes that in this complicated world Mary’s words have great resonance: “Mary MacKillop lived for others in the spirit of God. She is rightly recognised today as a saint for her selflessness, the way she faced her many challenges, her leadership, her tolerance, her courage, her vision and most importantly her faith.”

Sister Ellen Royan of the Sisters of St Joseph at Lochinvar believes Mary holds a unique place in Australia’s history and her story provides hope to those struggling with life's challenges. “Mary was deeply Australian and at this time with such confusion and disillusionment present in society Mary speaks in a voice that says there is a lot of good in the world. We need to tap into that and not be discouraged.’’

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will celebrate Mary’s canonisation in the coming months. Further details will be available in the near future.

Media Enquiries: Communications Team Ph: (02) 4979 1136 or 0419 263 901 or Sr Ellen Royan RSJ 0417 442 431.

Back to Media Releases