EASTERN LINK - Province 20 Catenians of Western Australia

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!