A statue of Mary MacKillop was recently placed in the Grand Stupa Buddhist Shrine of Universal Compassion in Bendigo (Victoria) together with a statue of St Francis of Assisi that was already there but in need of restoration.
The ceremony for the installation of Mary MacKillop was held in the Peace Garden of the Shrine. Following morning tea, Mr Ian Green (Chairman of the Grand Stupa) welcomed all and explained the vision of the Grand Stupa. Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, told something of the life of Mary MacKillop and her perseverance against the odds and the virtues that made her a saint; prayers followed as Bishop Shane Mackinlay of the Diocese of Sandhurst blessed both statues.
Both Saint Francis and Saint Mary statues were sculpted by Mr Tin, a Vietnamese man. The statues are made from a product called ‘Poly Marble’ which is a resin mixed with marble dust. Lucy Wang, Great Stupa resident artist, painted both statues. Other work was done by Stonemasons Dennis, Shaun, Mercy, Dave and Skye; Works team Finn and Guy and Landscape team led by Tama.
A stupa (also known as a pagoda) is the most sacred building in Buddhism that symbolises the enlightened mind and the path to enlightenment. A stupa is also a reliquary to house holy relics of the Buddha and other highly realised beings.
The Bendigo Great Stupa was the vision of Lama Thubten Yeshe while Lama Zopa Rinpoche had the idea to base the design of the stupa on the Great Stupa of Gyantse. The Bendigo Shrine of Universal Compassion is an impressive white building on a hilltop which makes it more impressive and is a work in progress to complete the facilities.
In general, the purpose of the Shrine is to inspire people to seek a peaceful and spiritual path; to be a place of pilgrimage; to provide a refuge of peace and serenity; to help explain Buddhism; to provide a temple venue for major teaching events and seminars and to be of service to as many beings as possible.
We can take pride that Mary MacKillop is still being ecumenical and recognised by communities other than Catholic more than one hundred years after her death.
You’re invited to view Sr Monica Cavanagh’s reflection at the opening here.
Patricia Williams rsj