Monday, August 3, 2009

Life of Blessed Mary MacKillop by Alyssa


Life of Mary MacKillop


This Friday is 100 years since the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop...will Mary MacKillop become Australia's First Saint?


MacKillop was born in Melbourne in the suburb of Fitzroy. She was the eldest of eight children. Her parent’s names were Alexander MacKillop and Flora MacDonald. Mary became a shop girl, a governess (a nanny) and a teacher. She did all this to support her family. She was selfless at a very young age, and she also lived the gospel values at a very young age as well.

She taught at Portland in a catholic school, and founded the sisters of St. Joseph to care and teach the poor children. She listened to God; her order was to educate poor children, especially in the bush. God spoke to Mary and Mary was always ready to listen!!!

In 1883, Bishop Reynolds told her to leave her diocese and also banned her from being a sister. When he was on his death bed he called for her and, he asked her for his forgiveness she forgave him as Jesus would and live the gospel values.

Mary maintained her life well until she died in 1909. She suffered from stroke in 1909. Living by her motto “never see a need without doing something about it”. She spread the gospel values and word by opening schools for the poor. She showed God’s love through her courage and trust.


Mary was Beatified by Pope John Paul II on 19th January 1995.

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