As we approach the feast day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, we are reminded of the profound impact of her mission to serve. Mary’s life and work continue to inspire us to accompany the marginalised, echoing her commitment to see the face of Christ in every person.
On the occasion of Mary’s feast this year, we find ourselves in the throes of the Paris Olympics, marvelling at the feats of endurance and skill of so many of our athletes. Those who win gold and all others who qualified for this international event, are regarded as heroes/heroines who epitomise the Australian spirit of working hard and doing their best for things they truly believe in. While training they put other aspects of their lives aside, sometimes receiving criticism and derision for their dedication. They seek advice and strategies about the best ways to perform their chosen sport, and they practise the same activities over and over, even under adverse conditions, to be able to give their best when it matters.
In some ways, we may consider our St Mary of the Cross as an ‘athlete of the Church’ for she too was a person who put everything else in her life to one side so she could focus on the best way she could serve the God of her life. Having understood her mission to serve those who were misunderstood, overlooked and/or too poor to participate fully, she focussed in a most determined manner to do God’s will as she understood it.
Like many athletes, Mary was a team player. She gathered other like-minded women around her to deepen their sense of mission together. As Mary ‘practised’ over and over her ministry of compassion to the poor and destitute, especially in rural Australia, she and her Sisters faced challenges, scorn and hardship. Despite this, and because of their deep, shared faith, they persevered as women of the Church, and established schools and welfare institutions with a spirit of humility and deep empathy. Mary is recognised and honoured for this as our Australian saint.
Today, we are called to live our Christian lives in the spirit of mission of Mary of the Cross MacKillop. In our context, the marginalised are those struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues. They are First Nations people, refugees, those struggling with sexual identity, the elderly, the isolated and lonely.
Mary MacKillop’s legacy is a powerful reminder that God’s mission can include challenges and hardships. As we persevere, we do not always receive recognition or gratitude. Often, it is our quiet, consistent, practiced acts of kindness and support that leave space for God’s spirit to impact the lives of those we meet. And in that encounter, we too come face-to-face with the Christ of our lives.
In our lives today, whether in parishes, schools, healthcare facilities, or community services, we continue the legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. As we honour her feast day, let us recommit ourselves to this mission, inspired by her example.
In the Divine Word,
Bishop Tim Norton svd
Archdiocese of Brisbane