Life of Mary MacKillop
by Kelsey 4D
by Kelsey 4D
On 15 January 1842, Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Victoria, Australia. Mary worked as a shop-girl, teacher and a governess so she could support her family. Mary desperately wanted to have a religious life. Mary was passionate in helping the poor children with their education.
Mary started the Sisters of St Joseph Order in 1866 in South Australia. The Order was to live in poverty and devote themselves to teaching poor children. Mary was excommunicated in 1871 for refusing to obey orders, after 6 months she was allowed back to the church. She then travelled to Rome and throughout Europe studying teaching methods.
Mary set up many schools, charitable institutions and convents across Australia.
Mary moved the headquarters of the Josephite Order to Sydney 1883 because of conflict with the Catholic Church and Bishop Reynolds.
In May 1901 while in New Zealand, Mary suffered a stroke. For the rest of her life she was in a wheelchair, although she was the same strong and passionate person she always was. Unfortunately for the rest of her life Mary suffered from ill health.
Mary MacKillop died on 8 August 1909 in Mount Street, North Sydney where is buried. After Mary died many young women joined the Josephites mostly in Australia and New Zealand but also across the world.
Mary MacKillop died on 8 August 1909 in Mount Street, North Sydney where is buried. After Mary died many young women joined the Josephites mostly in Australia and New Zealand but also across the world.
Mary MacKillop inspired great dedication to God’s work. Mary is a great example of courage and dedication to live her life in God’s loving and kind care of everyone in need.
Mary MacKillop believed that even the poor had the right to be like everyone else and deserved to learn and be educated and taught the ways of God.
Mary MacKillop believed that even the poor had the right to be like everyone else and deserved to learn and be educated and taught the ways of God.
Mary’s values of love and compassion for those people who did not have much and who were poor are the values reflected by God and the gospel.
When Mary MacKillop died she left the Sisters of Saint Joseph Order in the other members hands, to continue what she had started in 1866, and to this day it still remains to help those in need.
When Mary MacKillop died she left the Sisters of Saint Joseph Order in the other members hands, to continue what she had started in 1866, and to this day it still remains to help those in need.
A Prayer taken from a Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day Mass August 2008:Most loving God, we thank you for the example and inspiration of Blessed Mary MacKillop, who in living the scriptural values witnessed to the mission of God and to the dignity of each person. May we who share in her charism have a heart for mission until our last breath. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
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