Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph and opened the way to education for poor children in rural Australia; she is Australia’s first saint.
Life
Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Melbourne, Australia, the eldest daughter of Scottish immigrants. Because of her family’s financial struggles she began working early to support them, and at Penola in South Australia she met Father Julian Tenison Woods. In 1866 the two opened a school for poor country children and began the Sisters of St Joseph.
The congregation grew quickly, spreading schools and works of care, but amid conflict within the Church she endured the pain of a brief excommunication in 1871. It was lifted the following year, and she carried on her mission without bitterness. She died in Sydney in 1909, was beatified in 1995 and canonized in 2010.
Spirituality
Mary MacKillop’s spirituality is deep trust in God’s providence and practical love for the poor. Even amid unjust treatment and misunderstanding she did not leave the Church but chose forgiveness and patience. Simple, down-to-earth service, going wherever there was need, was her way.
Reflection
Even after being wounded, Saint Mary chose forgiveness and service over resentment. When I am misunderstood in my community, how can I guard my heart and keep on loving?