As we celebrate the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, we reflect upon her extraordinary life and enduring legacy, her beacon of faith, resilience, and compassion. Mary’s story is not just a chapter for the archives of Australian history, but a living testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and a source of inspiration for us all in the present day.
Mary’s dedication to the Gospel was not merely theoretical, it was vividly practical. She journeyed across the vast and often inhospitable terrains of Australia to establish schools, ensuring compassionate and holistic education reached children who needed it the most. Her work was not confined by the boundaries of religion or socio-economic status, it was driven by a profound belief in the inherent dignity of every human being.
Mary embraced the teachings of Jesus with a radical love and an unyielding commitment to social justice. In a time when women were often placed on the peripheries of society, she stood as a leader, a reformer, and a visionary. Her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it”, encapsulate her proactive and compassionate approach to life.
In today’s contemporary world, Mary’s example is more relevant than ever. We live in a time marked by profound inequalities, social injustices, and the dire need for compassionate leadership. Her life teaches us the importance of advocating for the marginalised and working tirelessly to create a more just and equitable society.
In the pursuit of maintaining the legacy of Australia’s first Catholic canonised saint, the Josephite Justice Network was established to share the Josephite vision by walking in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop in our world today. This network includes both vowed religious members and Josephites living the charism in different ways. In pursuing justice and equality, the Josephite Justice Network has emerged as a powerful catalyst for change. At its core, it is a network of individuals united by a Josephite vision to promote justice, dignity, and empowerment for all.
In remaining firmly connected to the teachings of Mary MacKillop, the Josephite Justice Network strongly believes that fostering hope in young people and empowering them with self-determination to fight for social justice is crucial for creating positive change in society. In this, we provide young people with the appropriate education through our JJAMM leadership gathering, Using Our Voices political advocacy seminars, and the Josephite Action Group (JAG), a volunteer group for passionate young individuals.
By exposing our young people to a plethora of social issues and potential forms of action, they are encouraged to engage in critical and creative thinking, enabling them to become beacons of hope and passionate advocates for change.
Mary MacKillop devoted herself to the education of the poor. She showed us that with compassion, a sense of justice and commitment to human dignity, we can all create real change in our world.
Saint Mary MacKillop’s life is a powerful narrative of faith in action, a testament to the enduring relevance of the Gospel. Her legacy continues to inspire us to live with compassion, to serve with dedication, and to love without boundaries. As we honour her legacy, let us commit ourselves to following her example, bringing the light of Christ into every corner of our world.
Emilia Nicholas
Josephite Justice Network