Feast of St Mary of the Cross

Saint Mary of the Cross was the first to be one of Australia’s recognised saints. Mary MacKillop, or Saint Mary Helen MacKillop, also called Saint Mary of the Cross, born January 15, 1842 in Melbourne, Victoria, and died August 8, 1909 North Sydney, New South Wales. St Mary MacKillop was canonized October 17, 2010 and her feast day is August 8. She was a religious figure, educator, and social reformer. Mary was an independent woman, with great strength of character. She dedicated her life to the promotion of education, especially in small towns that might not otherwise have had a school. Mary's Josephite spirit lives on in our schools here too through her famous motto 'Never see a need without doing something about it.' This day is celebrated as a Solemnity in Australia and as a Feast in Aotearoa. 

Readings

1Kg 17:8-16: The jar of meal shall not be spent.

Ps 62:1-8: R. My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast.

Col 3:12-17. Bear with one another, forgive each other.

Alleluia alleluia! Many women were there by the cross, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus and looked after him. Alleluia.

Mt 6:25-34: Do not worry about your life. 

Prayer 

Begin in silence to reflect on these words.

Leader: Let us rest from the busyness of our day and take some moments to quieten ourselves and to be present to this moment....

"There where you are you will find God."  

Mary MacKillop 1871.

Mary MacKillop’s Prayer

Ever generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop

To live her life faithful to the Gospel

of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence and through the

intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop

we ask that you grant our request (insert request.)

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too,

like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.

Ever generous God hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ

Amen.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop chapel. ACU Melbourne campus.

Image on main slider: Judith Rolevink, Mary MacKillop, 2008 bronze and sandstone sculpture. Photo Sam Roberts