Mary MacKillop Feast Day

"Mary's Feast Day provides all Australians with an opportunity to stop and reflect on the meaning of life. Mary MacKillop, an Australian by birth, stands out as one of our Australian heroes. Her life story embodies characteristics which are integral to the Australian identity: a sense of a fair go for everyone, her willingness to stand on the side of people who are vulnerable, her pioneering spirit and her ability to respect people from across all beliefs and cultures. Mary would look for the good in others and assist children and people to feel good about themselves. She avoided being judgmental and cynical no matter what the situation and tried always to be 'big hearted' and be 'with' the people in their struggles. Mary's innate
goodness and her down to earth approach to life, her ability to bring hope and purpose in the midst of suffering, has given Australians a freedom to be spiritual. Mary is not a Saint to be admired from afar. She is a person who truly understands the everyday life of people, their struggles and their joys. She stands as a person who reflects to the Australian people the compassionate heart of God. Amongst her great qualities are her sense of integrity and kindness, her being loyal to friends and forgiving of enemies, her pragmatism in all areas as well as her genuine holiness."
Sr Katrina Brill RSJ, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph