St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

“Never see a need without doing something about it.”

On August 8 we commemorate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop (marking the anniversary of her death in 1909). St Mary MacKillop is Australia’s first Saint after being Canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2010. On her feast day, we honour and celebrate her legacy and good works. The eldest of 8 children, Mary understood human frailty and the need to reach out and support those less fortunate.

At just 24, Mary established a school for children of the poor and less priviliged in Penola, South Australia. She was also the co-founder of the Josephites, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Mary and her Sisters would establish orphanages and homes for the destitute as well as establishing refuges for ex-inmates of Australia’s grim nineteenth century prisons.

Often met with opposition and acting contrary to many societal norms, Mary’s strong faith, courage and dignity helped her face these most daunting of challenges, including excommunication. She was a trailblazer of her time who truly carried out the work of Jesus.

Through her vocation as a Sister of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Mary MacKillop impacted and improved the lives of many Australians. Her legacy lives on through many Catholic schools across Australia including here at Carroll College. 

On July 26, Carroll College celebrated the life of Mary MacKillop. Students wore blue mufti, purchased items from the MacKillop stalls and engaged in a range of activities organised by the MacKillop Homerooms.