EASTERN LINK - Province 20 Catenians of Western Australia

THE CANONISATIONCEREMONY IN ROME...The actual moment The Holy Father announced that Mary MacKillop was nowfrom this moment onwards Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s firstSaint.Below captured on TV as it was officially announced seconds later!!!

THE CANONISATIONCEREMONY IN ROME...The reading of a brief biography of The Blessed - in this case there are six blessed to be Canonised. TheSister’s of St Joseph’s travelled along way to tell the Holy Father & Pilgrims about our Mary MacKillopThe Prefect of Congress of Saints petitioning the Holy Father to approve Mary to be a SaintAs part of the Ceremony, relics of St Mary were placed on the Altar; they were a Crossmade of Red Gum Tree from Penola in SA handed over by Kathleen Evans. A lock of hairof Mary’s hair which was placed on the Altar by one of the Sister’s of St Joseph’s. A handmadeornament made from Sheep’s Horns from the Scottish Islands, this was placed bythe closest relative alive of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop who lives in Scotland. Theseitems will now be stored in the Vatican in Rome.

THE CANONISATIONCEREMONY IN ROME...8,000 Australians travelled to Rome to see the first Saint of Australia CanonisedThis picture tells a thousand stories, the look on these young Australian faces says it all!!!

MARY’S TIME OFGLORY!!!THE MOMENT AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS HAVEBEEN WAITING FOR...The day for all Australian Catholics was finally here; at approximately 6.30pm on the 17thOctober 2010, Pope Benedict XVI announced that our Beloved Blessed Mary MacKillop isnow Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.17th October 2010 will be etched in all Australian Catholics minds as one of the greatestoccasions in the history of the Catholic Church here in Australia.There was also five other Blesseds who were being canonised that day, and when theHoly Father announced that Mary was now known as Saint Mary MacKillop the square atSt Peter’s rang with cheers from the 8,000 Catholics from Australia who had travelled toRome for the canonisation. Shouts of “Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie” could be heard amongst the50,000 people gathered.The ceremony started with two sisters from the Order of St Josephs from Australia,reading out the many, many good deeds that Mary MacKillop had achieved whilst she wasalive. This was followed by the Prefect of the Congress petitioning the Holy Father – alongwith the other five Blesseds – to elevate them to Sainthood.After the Holy Father announced the canonisation of all the Blesseds, relics were thenplaced on a special altar. The one’s of Mary consisted of a lock of hair, a wooden crossmade from a Red Gum tree from Penola – Where St Mary of the Cross did so much work– A ornament made from Sheep’s Horns from the Scottish Highlands – where her familyoriginally came from. The lock of hair was placed by a Sister from the Sister’s of St Josephin Australia; the cross was placed by Kathleen Evans, one of St Mary’s Miracles, andRobert Campbell, St Mary’s closest living relative from Scotland.As the ceremony was taking place in Rome, there was a huge amount of ceremoniestaking place in Australia. The Sister’s of St Joseph’s in North Sydney – the Josephiteshead office – was visited by a tremendous amount of visitors that day./Cont.

MARY’S TIME OF GLORYCONTINUED...St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney had an afternoon mass which was televised on the internetall over the world along with the canonisation ceremony. So many visitors wanted to be inthe Cathedral that is was full to capacity with many more on the steps outside.Brisbane Cathedral had large number mounted screens in the cathedral and around thegrounds. At times throughout the ceremony the sound was lowered and the choir led thecongregation in parts of the Mass, e.g. the Gloria, the Sanctus, the Our Father, the AgnusDei and after the Canonisation was announced the congregation stood and sang withmuch pride and enthusiasm, the Celtic Alleluia. The method of involving the congregationin the live broadcast made it even more special.The town of Penola in South Australia also saw many, many Pilgrims that day who wantedto share with the local people the wonderful event of one of their past residents beingcanonised. There is a shrine in the school where Mary first started to teach the young andthe poor. The town will be a major attraction for Australian Catholics to visit in the future.On Monday morning, followers of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop rose early for aspecial Mass of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.The mass was attended by the 140 Sisters of St Joseph, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd,Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop, Australian Ambassador to the Holy See TimFischer, and thousands of Australians and New Zealanders.Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell welcomed the crowds to the first official mass ofSaint Mary MacKillop since her canonisation."The first Australian-born saint in the 2000-year history of the Catholic Church. We aredelighted and grateful," he said.Saint Mary of the Cross was a wonderful person who had the ability to put other peoplebefore herself, even though on many occasions she had opposition from within the church,however, she overcame these hurdles and proved to the world what a Saint she is. TheCatholics community in Australia are so proud that now the country has its first Saint and itis our own Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.Peter

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPAUSTRALIASFIRSTSAINTNOWKNOWNASSAINTMARYOFTHECROSSMacKillopCANONISED17thOCTOBER2010THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE’S CHOICE!!!

SAINT MARYOF THE CROSS MACKILLOP1842 – 1909AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SAINTTHE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE’SCHOICE!!!CANONISED;17 th OCTOBER 2010By POPE BENEDICT XV1Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.

EASTERN LINKHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.

THECATENIAN ASSOCIATIONPROVINCE 21THE BROTHERS OF THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATIONWOULD LIKE TO OFFERTHEIRCONGRATULATIONSTO THE SISTERS OFST JOSEPH’SOF THE SACRED HEARTON THE CANONISATIONTO SAINTHOOD OF THEIRBELOVED FOUNDERSAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOP

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPMARY MACKILLOP’SSTORYBorn in 1842 to Flora and Alexander MacKillop, Scottish immigrants, Mary MacKillop was theeldest of eight children. While her youth was rich in education, the family was extremely poorand often without a home of their own. They frequently found themselves reliant on friendsor relatives for support.At age 16, Mary started her working life as a governess. In 1866, after meeting and beinginspired by Father Julian Tenison Woods, Mary opened the first Saint Joseph’s School atPenola in country South Australia; she was only 24 years old.Young women started to join her and so began the Sisters of Saint Joseph.The work spread rapidly and priests from city and country areas asked Mary to send sistersto open schools for them. In 1867 she moved to Adelaide to be able to develop her mission.In 1868, she and the sisters opened a refuge for young women recently released from prison,an orphanage, and a House of Providence as a home for older women, especially the frailaged. Within four years there were 130 sisters working in more than forty schools andcharitable institutions in South Australia and Queensland.Mary MacKillop’s purpose in life was to help ‘the poorest of the poor’ and to never see ‘aneed without doing something about it’.Her journey, however, was not without struggle and she often met with fierce opposition, fromoutside the church and even from within it – to the point of being excommunicated at onetime. She was even banished from Adelaide and, consequently, went to live in Sydney.In 1885 the Archbishop of Sydney declared that Mary could no longer be superior general ofthe Order and appointed another sister to that position. For 14 years the Order that Maryfounded was led by another sister, until Mary was re-elected in 1899.Mary suffered a stroke in 1902 and passed away on the 8 th August 1909 aged 67 years. Hershrine and tomb are found in the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, Mount Street, NorthSydney.Since her death thousands of people have flocked to her shrine to pray for their own needsand to pray for the needs of family, friends and relatives. Pilgrims give thanks for herintercession.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPMARY’S STORY CONTINUED. . .Blessed Mary MacKillop was beatified in Sydney, Australia on January 19, 1995. Thisfollowed careful scrutiny of her life, writings and testimonials from those who had known her.Proof that at least one miracle could be ascribed to her intercession was also achieved.Beatification was a major step as the Church recognised her as a saint for Australia.However to be recognised as a saint for the universal Church a second miracle was needed.In April 2008 the documents detailing the cure of a lady, through the intercession of MaryMacKillop, from terminal lung cancer with metastases to the brain were taken to theCongregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome.These documents were painstakingly examined by medical experts who were asked torespond to the question whether the cure could be attributed to scientific means.In May 2009 the members of the Medical Board of the Congregation gave their verdict thatthe cure could not be explained by scientific means. A body of theologians then examinedthe documents to determine if there was sufficient evidence to attribute the cure to theintercession of Mary MacKillop. In July 2009, they concluded that such evidence was foundin the documents.The findings of the doctors and theologians were examined by the Cardinals and Bishops,members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Their response was positive.On December 19, 2009, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, met with the Prefect of theCongregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome and authorised the promulgation of a decreestating that the cure was indeed a true miracle and attributed to the intercession of BlessedMary MacKillop.Early in 2010 the Holy Father will meet in a solemn consistory with Cardinals and Bishops tomake the decision whether to canonize Blessed Mary, and, if this is positive, he will alsoannounce the date for the ceremony.All being well, the ceremony will probably take place in Rome sometime in 2010.The Sisters of Saint Joseph continue Mary’s work in education, working with refugees,indigenous communities and all those who struggle in our world.Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPTHE TESTIMONY...THE MIRACLE OF KATHLEEN EVANSAs told by KathleenMy name is Kathleen Evans. I’m married to Barry. I’m a mother of 5 and a grandmother of 20including 2 great grandchildren. I come from the small town of Windale in Lake Macquarie.In the 1990’s, I was diagnosed with a non small carcinoma in my right lung.After x-rays and scans were taken, my GP sent me to a heart, lung surgeon. He put me inhospital for a biopsy.The surgeon explained that he hoped to remove my right lung as my youngest child was only13,And by taking the lung out, it might give me 5 or 6 years to see him through high school.What he found was that the cancer was very aggressive and had spread into my glands. Hewas concerned that one of the glands was too close to the aorta.He also asked for an xray of my head to be taken. He found that a secondary had started atthe bottom of my brain. This put paid to any operation.I was then sent to a chemotherapist who gave me no hope of the chemotherapy working.The next step was radiotherapy, only to be told that any ray treatment would help with the sideeffects and perhaps give me a couple more weeks at the end.For this to happen, I would have to go to the hospital for 10 consecutive days. I was too sickfor that,Besides the odds were just not worth it. I was only given a couple of months at the most to live.So I said thanks, but no thanks. I went back to my doctor and asked him to see me throughuntil the end. All this took 1 month.All I had left was prayer. I was a great believer in prayer. The next few weeks were hardtimes.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPKathleen’s Miracle storycontinued. . .I was unable to stay out of bed for any length of time. I would get the shakes so bad that myhusband would have to lay on me to ease them down.I couldn’t bath or shower myself or even use the toilet on my own. I suffered from nightsweats and found it hard to breathe. I was in a bad way.Where did Mary come into my life?I had a friend who lived in the Hunter Valley. She gave me a picture of Mary MacKillop.Attached to the back, was a piece of Mary’s clothing. This is called a relic. I wore this relicon my nightie and later on my clothing. It never left me.She also gave me some prayer cards that had been given to her by the Sisters here at MountStreet.They were given out to all my family and friends asking them to pray the same prayer, askingMary to pray with us to God for nine days on my behalf.Instead of my health deteriorating, I started to get stronger. I was even able to stay out ofbed longer.Within 2 weeks, I was able to go on a weekend retreat. Now I wasn’t jumping over the moon,but I was able to attend every session over that weekend and I have never looked back.My doctor wanted me to have more tests done about 4 months later because as he said, Ijust should not be here.It wasn’t until another 3 months, which was 10 months from being diagnosed, that I went backto have those tests,To be told there was no sign of cancer anywhere, just scarring where the cancer had been.So after all this time I can say I’m still here and very well and enjoying life to the fullest.Other Miracle’s have been recorded.Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPCHAMPION OF THE POOR. . .SAINTMARYOFTHECR0SSPRAY FOR US!!!Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOP*Honoured to share Mary's spirit!By: Paul DobbynWHEN young indigenous man Marlon Riley dancedhis brolga steps in honour of Mary MacKillop beforean international audience at her canonisationcelebrations in Rome none were prouder of him thanhis mother Margie.For it was she who struggled mainly on her own tobring up a vigorous brood of nine children, first inInala, then in Woolloongabba and now at AcaciaRidge, on Brisbane's Southside, determined to keepthem true to the Catholic faith she first discovered asa student with the Sisters of Mercy at Rockhampton.Others too are proud of this 32-year-old who is acultural tutor at Brisbane Catholic Education'sNgutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderCultural Studies Centre.There's his 26-year-old brother David who hasovercome learning difficulties to carve out life as anartist whose work can now be seen in Brisbane'sparks and other public places.Murri pride: Marlon (left) andDavid Riley with the Boomerangsand Clapsticks David made forhis brother to take to RomeAt the Canonisation Mass, Marlon performed alongside dancers from Brisbane's AustralianCatholic University Weemala Indigenous Higher Education Unit in the entrance procession.The next day, Marlon danced with five other Queensland Aboriginals during the ThanksgivingMass Offertory procession at the papal basilica of St Paul Outside-the-Walls.Also definitely among the proudest is the two women who supported Margie Riley as sheraised her children in the faith - Brisbane archdiocese's Murri Ministry co-ordinator RavinaWaldren and Josephite Sister Kay McPadden.It was an honour and pleasure to be present at Brisbane archdiocese's Murri Ministryheadquarters at Justice Place, Woolloongabba, when David surprised his brother with hisworks of love and pride.Asked later how he felt about his brother's gifts, Marlon looks at the boomerangs andclapsticks for a few minutes before answering./Cont.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

Honoured to share Mary's spirit Continued..."Yeah, it's just too deadly this - because I don't often see David ... he's a bit like the Phantom,always quietly around helping out, doing good things."I'd heard he'd been coming over here to Murri Ministry these past six weeks, but didn't knowwhy."Marlon stops for a minute, then continues: "Actually it's incredible he's got such a good heart ... hehad a real rough time at school ... got picked on a lot."It's always amazed me that he has no bitterness from these days."So what messages are contained within his brother's artwork destined to travel to faraway Rometo become part of a collection of indigenous Australian art there?Marlon looks at the boomerangs."This one here - it's got these shapes (semi-circles) and those (concentric circles) - they're aboutgatherings," he said."And the other boomerang, I can see the snake shapes - that's because David loves the story ofthe Rainbow Serpent."David nods, a pleased smile on his face.So how were the boomerangs used in the Vatican ceremony?SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPMarlon, the dazzling dancer who for two years delighted tourists visiting the internationallyacclaimed Tjapukai (Jabakai) Aboriginal Cultural Park, springs to his feet.He starts a rhythm with the two boomerangs and clapsticks and moves lithely towards the MurriMinistry cross (painted by Aboriginal artist Yvonne O'Neill) which also was to head for Rome,facing the semi-circle in which we all sit."When we were deciding on the dance to honour Mary MacKillop, Graeme Mundine (head ofNational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission) asked us to pick ananimal to represent her," Marlon explains as he dances."Someone said a kangaroo. But the rest of us agreed that wouldn't work - too bouncy.""Someone said a kangaroo. But the rest of us agreed that wouldn't work - too bouncy."But we all liked the brolga."SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOP/Cont.Her Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

Honoured to share Mary's spirit Continued...As Marlon pauses to explain the choice, the appropriateness quickly becomes apparent.It's a graceful bird, with extremely good balance, blessed with the light step needed to move fromlily pad to lily pad and avoid falling into the water, he says.All of us chuckle at once, no doubt at the unspoken, shared thought of challenges the soon-to-besaintedMary faced negotiating the tricky Church politics of the time.Entranced we watch as the dance continues to unfold - and listen to Marlon's commentary.He describes the Brolga/Mary MacKillop waking up in the morning, eager to live the message ofGod's calling in her life.As Marlon gets closer to the cross, his arms raise."This represents wings becoming ready for flight," he says."There's a lot of extra energy too as she gets closer to the cross."Dance over, the focus turns to Ravina as she outlines the story of Marlon and his family, a storywhich clearly is a source of wonder, joy and pride to her."When we worked for AICC (Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council) we used to pick the Rileykids up in a bus from where they lived at the 'Gabba," she says as Sr Kay nods at the memory."We'd take them with others to the Christ the King School at Graceville."Of the 100 students there, 60 were Aboriginal."The thing that impressed us about Margie Riley, and has continued to impress us about thefamily, is how faithful and loyal they've stayed to the Church."Now it will be wonderful for the mother to see all the hard work she's put into her children -encouraging them in their Catholic faith and sacraments - is finally bearing fruit."Also I nominated Marlon because he's one of our young leaders and will eventually become anElder."He's been part of Murri Ministry Youth Group since 1993."SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPRavina says Marlon's pride as a young Aboriginal family man will also be on display./Cont.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHonoured to share Mary's spirit Continued..."Being able to dance in the Canonisation and Thanksgiving Masses will be a real milestone for thisyoung indigenous man and father."He wants his son Xavier to be proud of him when he sees him dance in Rome - that's been hisdream."It's such a beautiful statement for a young indigenous father to say that this is his dream."Both Ravina and Sr Kay are also delighted with David's progress."It's wonderful to see how David's grown and developed, given the amount of difficulty he had inthe area of educational needs and the hard time he had growing up," Ravina says.She adds that some of David's sculptures now grace various city parks - the animal totem atAcacia Ridge's C.A. Sullivan Park being a prominent example.The Murri Ministry co-ordinator has also taken some message sticks painted by David to give asgifts when she visits friends in Ireland after leaving Rome.David said he was really pleased to think some of his work would be travelling to the other side ofthe world.As for Marlon, he was clearly very focused on the big day when he would dance in Rome.But before I leave, he indicates his mind has moved beyond this great event when he danced inhonour of Australia's first saint and first peoples before the Pope and other leading Churchdignitaries.Marlon is already planning ways to share his experience and inspiration upon his return toAustralia.He said he has been asked to address a group of young indigenous students from St Mark'sSchool, next to the Ngutana-Lui centre at Inala, following a graduation Mass at the school."I'll be sharing Mary MacKillop's spirit with them ... it will be a great honour," he says, eyes shining.*Picture & Story by kind permission of the Catholic Leader BrisbaneSAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOP“It’s not about me...Mary saw her ministry as God’s work. It was God who pointed to the needs of uneducatedand poor, particularly in remote and rural areas of Australia; It was God who calledcourageous and faith filled women to heroic generosity; It was God who nurtured theirSpirit, gave them joy and hope to preserve and explore so many unique ways they couldmake a difference to the quality of people’s lives.The Cairns Diocese celebrates Mary’s life and generosity, her contribution to educationand social welfare, and all who have been touched by the Ministry of Josephites.”Bishop James FoleyDiocese of Cairns“Doing Ordinary ThingsExtraordinary Well...Mary’s life has been described as “heroic virtue”. These same words apply to her sister’sin religion, parents and our teachers today who offer a model for all of us to aspire to. Wecan see in her all what might be and do. Mary MacKillop offers us a reachable andbelievable for us to see, believe, follow.We recognise this same Spirit in all good people and see their generosity in serving othersand meeting needs. All of us who can do wonderful things if only we can look beyondourselves and be responsive to God’s challenges to build a better place for us all to share”Dr Bill SultmannExecutive Director, Catholic Education Services.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHOLY CROSS BELLAs part of extensive renovations of Holy Cross Church, NorthernBeaches, Cairns a magnificent new bell has been positioned high abovethe entrance to the church and has been named after Mary MacKillop.The bell weighs 245kg, has a mouth diameter of 762mm and sounds thenote C. It is cradled in the bell tower at the entrance to the church.Upon arrival in Adelaide from France in late 2009, the bell was providedwith support parts and an electronic chiming hammer internal to thebell./Cont.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHOLY CROSS CONT. . . .A computer based control unit in the churchcommands the sounding of the bell to aprogram, providing angelus ring daily and alsoat mass times. The students at Holy Crossoften stop to pray the Hail Mary on the soundof the bell.Rev Neil Muir, parish priest of Holy Cross isdelighted with finished product, as is thearchitect Bill Phillips. Father Neil Muircommented, “We’ve had very positivefeedback from parishioners and people in thearea.”Top Left; A close-up of the magnificent bellBottom Left; School CaptainsAbove; The bell on arrival from FranceSAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPThe Blessing of the Holy Cross Saint Mary MacKillop BellBy The Bishop of Cairns James FoleySTMARYMACKILLOPPRAYSchool-children, Teachers, Parents,& Parishioners, gathered – in typicalNorth Queensland tropical weather– at Holy Cross Church for theBlessing of the Mary MacKillop Bellby his Lordship the Bishop of CairnsJames Foley on 14 th September.The Ceremony was followed bymass celebrated by the Bishop andFr Neil Muir.FORUSSAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPInspired By A Saintaint...By: Robin WilliamsJosephite party: Queensland Sisters of St Joseph in Rome include (back from left) Srs PatriciaMarsh, Helen Alfrey, Rita Flynn and Heleni Hughes; and (front) Srs Cecilia Anning, MoyaCampbell and Lyn Stabler, around a statue of Mary MacKillop at Nundah, wearing the scarvesmade especially for the Josephites to wear in Rome.Picture: Matt KirbySISTERS of St Joseph from throughout Australian and New Zealand were in Rome this weekto see their founder Mary MacKillop recognised as a saint.The Josephites' Australian congregational leader Sr Anne Derwin led the 138 pilgrims thatinclude 12 Queenslanders.Josephite Sisters making the journey range in age from their mid 20s to their 80s and includeretirees along with those working in ministries such as education, pastoral support, aged careand missioning to indigenous cultures./Cont.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

Inspired By A SaintContinued...The biggest representation is from the NSW province with 85 sisters, followed by 14 from NewZealand, 12 each from Victoria and Queensland, eight sisters from Western Australia, five fromSouth Australia, and two from Tasmania.Queensland Josephites in Rome are Srs Judith Steer, Patricia Marsh, Rita Flynn, Margaret Cleary,Lyn Stabler, Helen Hughes, Cecilia Anning, Irene Harrison, Anne Josephine Howley and MoyaCampbell, and Sr Helen Alfrey, a Sister of Perpetual Adoration.Queensland provincial Sr Moya Campbell said she was always inspired by the life of MaryMacKillop and the Josephite Sisters who taught her."The sisters in Miles many years ago gave me a photo of Mary MacKillop when I was about 12years old," Sr Campbell said."This photo has stayed with me, and it was at a very early age that I decided that I wanted to followMary MacKillop and become one of her sisters."Sr Campbell said Mary MacKillop was just as inspirational today.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPBrisbane archdiocese's ministry development officer for pastoral councils Sr Cecelia Anning saidthere was much that inspired her about Mary MacKillop and, with God's help, she hoped tocontinue to strive to follow her example."Mary MacKillop's life-long respect for the dignity and worth of every person continues to inspireand challenge me," Sr Anning said."Her deep love of God and her constant awareness of God's presence in all people and situations,meant that in spite of any difficulties or misunderstandings she suffered, she maintained her deeprespect for the dignity and worth of every person in her life, as shown in how she spoke, behaved,interacted and wrote."Sr Lyn Stabler, who is based at the Josephites' Queensland administration centre in WavellHeights, said she was looking forward to all the canonisation celebrations."Mary's life is for me a rich icon revealing the possibilities flowing from trust in 'our good God', love,resilience, inner peace and contributing to the common good," Sr Stabler said./Cont.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPInspired By A SaintContinued...Australian Josephites who have travelled to Rome represent the Central and Federation ("BrownJoeys" and "Black Joeys") Josephite Sisters living and ministering throughout Australia, NewZealand, Ireland, Peru, East Timor, Scotland and Brazil.While in Rome the order was welcomed by the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See TimFischer and participate in special events to commemorate Mary MacKillop's life and mission.The sisters also led fellow pilgrims in the "Footsteps of Mary MacKillop" visiting landmarks, sitesand churches that played an important role in Mary's time in Rome in 1873-74 and her quest tohave the Rule of the Sisters of St Joseph approved by the Holy See.Sr Anning said that while she was very excited and privileged to be going to Rome thecanonisation was just another step in the Josephites' journey."I see this wonderful event as contributing towards Mary MacKillop becoming a helpful andcomforting inspiration and a spiritual model for all Australians," she said."It will be my pleasure on returning to Australia to share any aspects of the special experience tofurther enrich the appreciation of this wonderfully good woman."Picture & Story by kind permission of the Catholic Leader BrisbaneA YOUNG MARY!Beginnings...From Mary’s often troubled and humblebeginnings in Melbourne to the establishment ofa School in a Stable in Penola, her early lifeshowed her great desire to do God’s will andhelp those in need.Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to bereproduced without the permission of the Trustees.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPExpanding HorizonsFAR & WIDEIn 1925 a Juniorate was opened in Irelandand in 1964 the sisters went on mission withAboriginal people in the Kimberley region ofWestern Australia. Many sisters haveresponded to needs Indigenous peoples inAustralia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand,Peru, East Timor and Brazil in both in citiesand in country places.The Federation Josephites went to Papua New Guinea in 1965 and sisters continued to be onmission there till 1998. It was not until 1981 that the Central Sisters ventured well beyond knownboundaries and cultures to establish a mission in Peru and today two sisters of the Peru Regionminister in Brazil. Two Peruvian women are now vowed members of the Congregation and a veryactive group of Associates joint the sisters in the work. The Central Josephites now have a region ofaround forty Irish born women who have returned to Ireland for retirement and ministry. Two CentralJosephites now live in the highlands of Scotland responding to the request of the bishop to promotethe life and spirituality of Mary MacKillop so that she is seen as a role model for living the gospel indaily life.Over time individual sisters have been on mission in countries such as Uganda, Cambodia,Thailand, Senegal, Tanzania and China.Primary school education of poor children was a dominant mission response by the sisters. Musiceducation eventually played a significant part in the whole educational process. From the earliesttimes the congregations responded to needs of remote families by providing Boarding Schools. Thelast schools to close were Marian College in Goulburn in 2008 and Quilpie in 2009./Cont.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPExpanding HorizonsContinued...In the late 1950s and 60s Sisters respondedto the need to go beyond the primary schoolclassrooms to work on the Motor Missionsand establish secondary schools.Since the early days of teacher training thesisters have always taught in tertiaryinstitutions.Health Care became a significant ministrywith the Congregations caring for its ownsisters in infirmaries. Many sisters becamenurses with some ministering in Josephiteinfirmaries and in St Margaret’s Hospital inSydney. Other sisters worked as mothercraftnurses in foundling homes.Responding to urgent needsFrom the very early days the care of the aged, women and orphans was always part and parcel of theoutreach of the sisters. Homes for children and for young pregnant women were established torespond to their urgent needs. Many sisters trained in social and community development work andmade a significant contribution to the whole social welfare sector. Today this work continues inprograms like the No Interest Loans Schemes, drug and alcohol programs, cancer support and workssuch as the House of Hospitality in Newcastle, MacKillop Family Services, MacKwood Life Brisbane,and St Anthony’s Family Care Sydney.Many sisters over time have expertly served their fellow sisters and others in the hospitality ministry.Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPFollowing Mary’s Death...Even in Mary’s time the response to the needs of the day just grew and grew. Within four years ofbeginning the work in Penola, Mary had established 40 schools and had 120 other young women join herin the mission.She had in this time also established three refuges – one for women coming out of prisons, one for theaged and one for orphans.Twenty years after Mary began there were 169 Josephite communities spread across the colonies ofSouth Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. By then, Mary had also responded to the call togo to the south island of New Zealand.By the time of Mary’s death the Diocesan Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph founded in Perthvilleunder the direction of Bishop Matthew Quinn had sent communities of Sisters to Whanganui, NewZealand in 1880, to Goulburn in 1882, to Lochinvar in 1883 and to Tasmania in 1887 with a total of over400 sisters. By this time too there were 750 Central Josephite sisters. Sisters were sent out on missionacross Australia and New Zealand. The numbers of sisters increased and foundations were made inVictoria and Western Australia.Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

Mary MacKillop: A Woman for GodGod was central in Mary’s life.To understand this is to understand the choices she made throughout her life.Mary loved God and believed in God’s love for her.This gave her the energy to pour out her life in ceaseless work and long journeys torespond to the needs of people; in Mary’s view they were all ‘God’s People’.This love gave her the tenderness to be side‐by‐side with those who suffered: particularlythe children.It gave her the tranquillity to face with serenity constant attack and vilification. Far fromretaliating she had compassion for her attackers.In her crowded life she was never far from prayer. As a young woman she wrote,‘God’s presence seems to follow me everywhere, and makes everything I do or wish to doa prayer.’Her courage in speaking the truth often caused trouble for her.She was not deterred.Suffering brought her back to God always present in her life.She was both passionate and practical: a mystic who recognized God in all the events andpeople of her daily life.Mary was indeed a saint—in a particularly Australian way.Joan Healy rsjSAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPThe Australian poet James McAuley wrote:‘Cast flame upon the earth: raise up contemplativesAmong us … who will walk within the fireof ceaseless prayer, impetuous desire.Set pools of silence in this thirsty land…’SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPMary MacKillopPrayer…Ever generous God,You inspired Saint Mary MacKillopTo live her life faithful to the Gospel ofJesus Christ and constant in bringinghope and Encouragement to those whowere disheartened, lonely or needy.With confidence in your generousprovidence and through the intercessionof Saint Mary MacKillop. We ask that yougrant our request……………….We ask that our faith and hope be firedafresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too,like Mary MacKillop, may live withcourage, trust and openness.Ever generous God hear our prayer.We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.ST MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPAUSTRALIA’S 1 st SAINTPRAY FOR US!!!SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPVISIT MARY’S TOMB...If you go to the following website click onthe link saying; visit Mary’s Tomb & Praywith her, you will be able to see otherprayers submitted by others!!!www.marymackillop.org.au/prayerspace/index.cfm?loadref=4The Prayer Space has many petitions fromPeople who need help!!!Used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Notto be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.Her Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPMary MacKillop Centre’sThrough a variety of life-giving ministries, Mary MacKillop Centre’s promote Mary MacKillop's life, workand spirituality.These Centre’s are focal points for pilgrimage, learning and growth in the spiritual dimensions of life,hospitality, prayer and pastoral concern. People who visit these Centre’s celebrate the story and richheritage of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph.New South Wales + South Australia + Queensland + Western Australia+ Victoria + New Zealand + ScotlandNew South WalesMary MacKillop Place, North SydneyMary MacKillop Place and the tomb of Mary MacKillop in the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel havebecome a place of pilgrimage as many people visit Mary’s tomb and the Museum. There is a Pastoral CareTeam at Mary MacKillop Place, so some Sisters are always available to listen to pilgrims and visitors, and toprovide support when needed. Mary MacKillop Museum also provides educational opportunities for schoolchildren and others. Mary MacKillop Place also provides accommodation and conference facilities.Contact InformationMary MacKillop Place7 - 11 Mount Street, North SydneyPO Box 1081 North Sydney NSW 2059Anderledy Lodge & Accommodation: (02) 8912 4800Conference Centre: (02) 8912 4812Mary MacKillop Place Museum: (02) 8912 4878Email: info@sosj.org.auWebsite: www.marymackillopplace.org.auAn Australian Pilgrimage, In the Footsteps of Mary MacKillop, is organised each year with participantsvisiting many of the sites associated with Mary MacKillop's life and work in New South Wales, Victoria andSouth Australia. For information contact Mary MacKillop Place: MMP.Ministries@sosj.org.auUsed with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPJulian Tenison WoodsThe legacy of Mary MacKillop isintrinsically connected to Julian whocofounded the congregations. Thefounding story and charism alwayscontinue to form and influence the lifeand work of the sisters and theirassociates.Julian’s influence is evidenced in thespirituality and the passion for themission of the sisters and theirongoing awareness of andcommitment to the environment.There are three parts to the Canonisation ceremony:-* THE READING OF A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF EACH BLESSED - IN THISCASE THERE ARE SIX BLESSED* THE PREPARATION FOR THE CEREMONY - SOME SHORT READINGSOR PRAYERS WRITTEN BY THE BLESSED* THE RITE OF CANONISATION - THE MASS CELEBRATED BY THE HOLYFATHERSAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPProvince 21 Has A DoubleCelebrationOn 17th October...Not only did Province 21 Catenians celebrate their Provincial Mass on the 17th October but theyalso celebrated the Canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The mass was held at StJoseph's Centre for Reflective Living, MacKillop Drive, Baulkham Hills. The service was followed bylunch. What a fantastic way to celebrate the canonisation of Australia’s first Saint!!!SAINT MARY OF THE CROSSMACKILLOPHer Story - Her legacy - Her Canonisation!

“Never see a needWithout trying to doSomething about it”Saint Mary MacKillop (1842-1909)Provincial Council & All Brothers ofPROVINCE 21OF THECATENIAN ASSOCIATIONARE PLEASED TO PUBLISH THIS DOCUMENTAS A MARK OF RESPECT TO THECANONISATION & ELEVATIONOF THE FIRST SAINT IN AUSTRALIASAINT MARY MACKILLOPAND THE ACHEIVEMENTS OF THESISTERS OF ST JOSEPH’SDear Brothers, I hope you have enjoyed reading a very small amount of what I have collated whichhas been published about St Mary MacKillop. I would like to thank Stephanie & Ingrid from theMedia Office of the Sister’s of Joseph for their help in furnishing me with material. The Sisters of StJoseph’s. My grateful thanks to; Peter Bugden, Editor, Catholic Leader Brisbane for stories, picture’setc. Fr Neil Muir & the Staff & Children of Holy Cross for the story about the Saint Mary MacKillopBell. Finally the Province 21 Council for asking me to present this document on Australia’s first Saint,it has been a privilege for me to produce it. Please be aware a few of the stories were written beforethe Canonisation. Please accept my apologies for any spelling mistakes etc. Peter Cash, Editor.PROVINCE 21 – THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION – OCTOBER 2010