On Thursday 8 August we celebrate Saint Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day.

Mary MacKillop was canonised in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, making her Australia’s first saint. In 19th Century Australia, when Mary saw families living on the margins without access to education, she set out to open a school in an old stable and teach children herself. She did so regardless of their gender, race, faith, or wealth. Later, as she formed the Sisters of St Joseph, they endured all kinds of challenges to go wherever the need was greatest. And, despite facing those enormous challenges, they continued to walk with people in kindness and love every step of the way. Mary MacKillop continues to be an inspiration to all of us who work and lead in Catholic education.
This August, as we celebrate Mary’s feast day, let us look for ways to walk in Mary’s footsteps. Like Mary, we can all strive to be fierce in the face of adversity as well as find ways to be fair to others and act wherever we see injustice. Let us remember to call on the strength of Mary MacKillop as we work together to make the world a little bit better each day.

Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for the example of Mary MacKillop who, in her living of the Gospel, witnessed to the human dignity of each person.
She faced life’s challenges with faith and courage.
We pray through her intercession for our needs.
May her holiness inspire us to be people of hope, love and forgiveness.
We make this prayer through Jesus the Lord.
Amen.

Angela Myles