August 8 is the solemnity of St Mary of the Cross (Mary MacKillop). Mary MacKillop is Australia’s first, and only, saint. Mary MacKillop was canonised on October 17, 2010 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Mary’s sainthood during a Canonisation Mass.

St Mary of the Cross lived a life of service and was a passionate teacher with a particular love of the less fortunate. St Mary of the Cross is important to Carroll College because she is the patron of MacKillop House.

The College has made a conscious decision to select patrons who are inspirational role models of faith and learning. St Mary of the Cross dedicated her life to ensuring all students, regardless of wealth, had access to a Catholic education. She experienced many trials and struggles in her life but always put the needs of others before her own and always relied on her love of Jesus, the Cross, to give her strength. Her qualities of hard work, love of learning and dedication to others and to Christ are to be admired and emulated by students and staff not just in Mackillop House but by the whole Carroll College community.

MacKillop House is led by Mr Greg McAteer and the House Captains are Sebastian Roser and Riley Maher.

Mary MacKillop’s Prayer

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop

To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence

and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop

We ask that you grant our request……………….

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit

so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ.

Amen.