ST BRIGID’S Catholic School community recently commemorated the life of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
St Mary was an Australian religious sister who was declared as a saint by the Catholic Church, as St Mary of the Cross. She was born on January 15, 1842 and passed away on August 8, 1909.
She founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a congregation of religious sisters who established a number of schools and welfare institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on education for the rural poor.
During the St Brigid’s commemoration of her life, candles were lit alongside a large photograph of St Mary at the assembly that was led by the Year 5 students who reflected on her life, her generosity and her faith.
Principal Duane Wann said that St Mary MacKillop fulfilled wonderful things throughout her life, particularly in providing education to children.
“St Mary felt very strongly about the opinions and beliefs of the community, particularly from those who lived in rural and remote communities who needed to be looked after,” he said.
“She was passionate about education and she travelled with the Sisters of St Joseph to parts of Australia where nobody else wanted to go, with a purpose to deliver support and education.
“Many challenges were faced in regards to weather conditions, they faced very hot and humid conditions, and times where it was extremely cold.
“In spite of these obstacles they founded schools in areas such as Blackall, Longreach and many others places way out West.
“Back then it took days to travel to such places, the sole purpose of her travels was to help the poor, the needy and the marginalised and as Australians we should be really proud of what St Mary and the Sisters achieved.”
