Mary was born to Alexander

and Flora (Catholic Scottish

Immigrants), in Melbourne on
15
th
January 1842.

The family home was neither
happy or prosperous, mainly
due to their father not being
able to financially provide for
the family.

Mary had to become the chief
family provider at the age of 14.


In 1860, at the age of 18, Mary
MacKillop left her Melbourne
to work in Penola as a governess
for her Uncle Alexander
Cameron and Aunt Margaret
(nee MacKillop).

Mary commenced her
teachings by opening up classes
for other children on the farm.
Mary met Father Woods. He
asked Mary to open up a
school and her and her two
sisters established the
school at Penola, firstly in
the stables and then the
school. They would teach
any children, there were no
exclusions and every child
was treated fairly.
In 1866 Mary discarded her
secular garments and
dressed in religious gowns.

In 1856 she took her vows
and became Mary of the
Cross.

She became the first sister
and Mother superior of the
newly formed order of the
sisters of St Joseph of the
Sacred Heart.
Mary was canonised on 17
th
October 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.

She is Australias First Saint
Mary had personal struggles as she was growing up with her family and
having to provide for the family at such a young age.

She was also experiencing considerable antagonism to what she was trying
to achieve with the impoverished people in the community. The general
public as well as the Irish born Bishops and the church itself were very
against her and the Sisters of the Order. But with her strength of faith in
God and her vision for a better world for all, Mary MacKillop refused to be
daunted.

With patience, a forgiving heart and trust in God, she managed to
overcome all obstacles, and 100 years after her death continues to be an
inspiration and role model, not only for Catholics everywhere but for all
Australians.
Mary and the Sisters of the Order did a lot for
spreading the word of the Catholic Church as they
moved around and cared for people and taught in
schools.
Mary showed her followers how to live with faith in
God
She taught us how to believe in god and what faith
really look like
She is a powerful role model for how Catholics should
lead their lives in the present time


She shows us the vision we should have as Catholics

Mary's vision was both large and small because it was a
Catholic vision. She was inspired by faith and lived her faith
in the Catholic Church. No matter how badly she was treated
by other Catholics, the church was God's family and her
home. This should be seen today if we want to continue to
practice the Catholic faith
Mary set up schools, orphanages and centres in the name of
the catholic church and taught the Catholic belief and values
That as young people we can achieve much if we open our
minds a little and have faith in our communities
She reminds us of ways that we can help others in their
times of need
Anything can be possible if we take the opportunities that
are offered to us
She shows us not to blame others for the challenges and
disappointments we experience, instead choose to forgive
the wrongdoings done to you and remain optimistic and
positive in your attitude to the challenges

Mary placed great value on every persons life and
encourages us in her honour to do the same and to
value the diversity of our community
She makes us really look at how we treat families,
friends and others
She makes us look at how we respond to each other
and bring out the best in others
Her life should be a blueprint for us on how to lead our
lives and how to treat others
She gets us to see goodness in others
Personally Mary inspires me in everything she did!
We all make mistakes
sometimes
Never see a need without
trying to do something
about it
God is love. It is by love I
have always been led
God is
watching over
you
Do all you can to love
and assist one
another
Be gentle and
kind to one
another
Courage and do
not be
disheartened
www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/archaeology/research-
profile/current-projects/mackillop-memorial-park-project

www.visitmarymackillop.com.au/where-it-all-began-
penola

http://australiancatholics.com.au/article.