Blessed Mary MacKillop Never see a need without trying to do something about it …celebrating 100 years since her death …

Mary MacKillop was born on 15 th January 1842 in Melbourne. Her parents, Alexander and Flora, were Scottish migrants. Mary was the eldest of eight children.

At the age of 15 she became a governess. Later she worked for a stationers, Sands and Kenny. The money she earned helped to support her family. When her aunt’s children needed a governess Mary was encouraged by her father to accept the position.

It was here in Penola that Mary met Father Julian Tenison Woods, the Parish Priest of the vast Penola and Mt Gambier district. They talked together about the needs of the children, especially the lack of education. Mary also shared with Father Woods her great desire to become a sister.

In 1865 Father Woods asked Mary if she would take over the school at Penola. Mary was assisted by her two sisters, Annie and Lexie. On the 19th March, 1866 Mary put aside her fashionable clothes and chose to wear black as a sign that she was living the life as a Sister. The Rule she followed was written by Father Woods and approved by Bishop Sheil.

The following year Mary went to Adelaide where other young women joined her and the Sisters of St Joseph was established.

The Sisters set up schools in remote areas, as well as in the cities, living together in twos and threes in rented cottages or rooms attached to a church.

The Sisters’ work was not confined to education: Mary encouraged her Sisters to help all in need, especially the poor, the sick and the homeless.

Requests came from all over Australia and New Zealand for Sisters to open schools. Before Mary died, the Sisters of St Joseph were established in all states of Australia and in New Zealand. She died on the 8 th August, 1909.

Today people make pilgrimages to her tomb, which is in the Chapel of the Sisters of St Joseph, Mount Street, North Sydney.

Mary was proclaimed ‘Blessed’ on the 19th January Mary was known for her love of the poor and marginalized. She lived by the motto to never see a need without doing something about it.

Mary also believed in the dignity of each person and above all she believed in God’s love. Mary is a model for us here in Australia, for when we reflect on her life we are called to follow her example. Acknowledgment: Mary MacKillop – A Great Australian, Joan Goodwin rsj