Take Fresh Courage

Share the Hope.

In 1902, at the age of 60, Mary MacKillop suffered a stroke. Her mind was unaffected and her speech intelligible, but, with her right side paralysed, she had to make major adaptations to her life. She now walked with a stick and, towards the end of her life, was eventually confined to a wheelchair. She dictated letters, but also learnt to write with her left hand and took up typing – the typewriter being at the time quite a new invention. She continued to govern the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph as Mother General and, over the next seven years, visited Sisters all over the country, opening up new works and responding to needs wherever she found them.

Certainly, we notice deterioration in significant aspects of Mary’s life as a result of the stroke. But we also notice enrichment. Having to depend more on others, she seems to speak and write words of encouragement more often. Her letters repeat what is at the core of faith and spirituality. She was in constant pain – she described it as being like a giant toothache all through her body – but she found deeper meaning in suffering as displaying in her own body the cross of Christ for our time (cf. Colossians 1: 24).

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Reflection on Mary MacKillop

Samela Harris, journalist, has described Mary MacKillop from the secular point of view that her father Max Harris expressed. Her strong character images of St Mary MacKillop depict, very poignantly, a saintliness, that describes her as a strong woman whom we can imagine in today’s world.

The moment he (Max Harris) came up with that phrase (‘A Saint for all Australians’) he knew it was right and he said so. It was a simple phrase defining Mary’s egalitarian outreach which transcended the ecumenical and embraced all – from the barefooted child and the fallen woman to gentry and ecclesiastical dignitary. Max shared some of those ‘everyman’ qualities with Mary – being one of those people who connected with everybody, and who judged people not by who or what they were but by what qualities of intellect and compassion they demonstrated.

When people read of his passion for the recognition and advancement of Mary MacKillop, it was not a religious issue they perceived but the tale of an extraordinary woman whose life stood aloft. A life of exceptional merit. His love for “A Saint for All Australians” was quick to attract the attention of the Josephites.”

Max tells us Mary was” inspirational, exceptional, courageous, a woman of integrity and altruism. She was a brave feminist who stood up for what she believed, who defied an oppressive patriarchy with determination and humility. He wrote with heartfelt conviction, but also with intellectual potency and objectivity which were hallmarks of his character

And Max kept on writing about Mary, thinking about Mary, loving Mary – and delivering a steady education to the Australian public through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

In so doing, he quietly joined the small ranks of the lay people who also had championed and helped Mary MacKillop a century before. They were an Adelaide immigrant Jew called Emanuel Solomon and a Presbyterian society queen called Joanna Barr Smith – both unlikely supporters of a young nun. But it was her social activism in the streets of Adelaide, her courage, her altruism, which inspired that support and friendship. And Max kept on writing about Mary, thinking about Mary, loving Mary – and delivering a steady education to the Australian public through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Samela Harris – A Love Story between Mary and Max, 10 October, 2010. ABC Religion and Ethics.

Let us reflect…

• What saintly qualities appeal to you from descriptions of Max Harris?
• What characteristics from this account of Mary’s stance for good really inspires you?
• Imagine the absolute courage Mary exhibited in her quest for justice.

Let us with Mary MacKillop pray for an extra measure of strength as we cope with the everyday happenings of life.

Michele Shipperley rsj

Candle image: Candle Flame Wax by stheaker obtained from Pixabay. Used with permission.

So Small a Beginning: Part 5

Sr Marie Foale speaks about the beginnings of the Institute of St Joseph for the Catholic education of poor children.

She believes that as a young Josephite growing up, she had a sense that one day Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods had made a spontaneous decision to found an order.

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Geocaching

How did you learn about Mary MacKillop?

Maybe it was a book read, a movie, or a visit to a museum. However, thousands of people every year, do none of these things, but do go GEOCACHING! Geocaching is the world’s largest treasure hunt and it can lead you to a journey through the story of Mary MacKillop.

In 2000, when GPS became widely available, a man named Dave Ulmer hid a container, called a cache, in the woods. He noted the co-ordinates of his hide and spread the news to his friends. The first person to find it using a GPS could keep what was hidden in the cache. He also put inside the cache a piece of paper, so that friends could leave their names as finders, even though they didn’t get the prize.

This was the beginning of a worldwide game called “Geocaching.” Friends of Dave went and did their own hides for other friends to find, and consequently many more joined in the fun. In fact, there are now 7 million people looking for more than 3 million caches hidden across the world. And over 150 of those hides are placed at significant sites of the Mary MacKillop story.

Each ‘hide’ in Geocaching has a page on the website with a story about the hide, clues (e.g. size of the container and other hints like, “in a tree”) and a map to find it. When someone finds the hide, they leave their name on the paper inside the cache and type a message on the website.

The first hide for the Mary MacKillop cache series was hidden at Mount Street, North Sydney near the site of her burial place. The hides have now extended to be in all states and territories, as well as New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland. Caches are now near Museums for Mary MacKillop, schools, Statues,  Plaques, streets and parks all connected to Mary MacKillop’s story

People from all over the world are discovering these hides and learning about Mary MacKillop. In many cases, they had not previously heard of her story. Unlike books, geocaching allows for a physical adventure to places of significance in Mary’s life. Posts on the website by finder’s attribute to this…

So, if you would like to know more about Mary MacKillop you could read a book, surf the web or visit one of the museums. Alternatively, download the Geocaching App on your iPhone (or visit the website), hit the ‘find a geocache’ button and follow the directions.

A great way to do a pilgrimage… no bookings required!

Happy Geocaching!

Watch a video explaining geocaching here

Julianne Murphy rsj

Reflection on Mary MacKillop

St Mary MacKillop’s Example.

This year (2020), Australia will celebrate the tenth anniversay of the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop. Let us reflect on Mary MacKillop’s characteristics and the features of her courageous life that gave her sainthood.

“Holiness, the heart of canonisation, consists in doing the will of God.  That is why in those last years of paralysis in her wheelchair Mary was far from being a ‘retired saint’.  She was a saint at her very best, because she was doing the will of God in most trying circumstances.  It is not achievement that makes saints, it is holiness.”  Paul Gardiner SJ 2010.

Consider:

• Mary endured many trials during her life.  Take time to name for yourself what you believe enabled her to rise above these obstacles;
• What do you see as Mary’s saintly qualities that gave recognition to her as a saintly woman whom we recognize as a great example throughout the nation and indeed the world?
• How does Mary MacKillop’s example help us to endure the obstacles in our daily life?

Spend some time in quietness and prayer thanking God for your own  and for God’s incredible care.

Michele Shipperley rsj

Candle image: Hands Open Candle by Myriams-Fotos obtained from Pixabay. Used with permission.

Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day 2020

Greetings on the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop.

Celebrating the feast of Mary MacKillop in 2020 will be different for many of us. During these past months people  across the world have been dealing with the reality and impact of the coronavirus. For many places where devotion to Saint Mary MacKillop has grown, this year’s celebration of her life will be different. With limited attendance in churches, the celebration of Eucharist for many will be through live stream. With pilgrimage sites not accessible for people, we need once again to draw upon our creativity and find different ways to mark this special day in the life of the church. What encouragement might Mary MacKillop offer us at this time in the life of the world. In 1907 she wrote to the Sisters:

Mary MacKillop is with us. Her own experience of life leads us to be in deep communion with her as we celebrate.  We remember that Mary herself suffered from ill-health. She is close to all those whose health has been impacted by the COVID-19. She was close to death on a few occasions and found comfort in those who shared these times with her. She writes:

Mary MacKillop also knew the pain of loss and grief in her life. Mary felt deeply the loss of each member of her family. Perhaps her greatest loss was that of her mother Flora who was drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Eden in New South Wales. At this time, she writes to her brother Donald:

For those who are losing their jobs and finding themselves unemployed, Mary MacKillop also knows what this experience is like. Her father was not able to hold down a permanent job leaving the family constantly on the move and placing extra stress on family life. It was this that caused Mary to find work at Sands and Kenny to support the family.

The opening prayer of the Liturgy for her feast says: “Holy God, source of all goodness, you show us in Mary MacKillop a woman of faith who lived by the power of the cross.” On this feast day let us be mindful that Mary MacKillop stands at the cross with us encouraging us to keep alive the flame of hope, bringing solace to those who have lost loved ones or employment, and comforting those whose lives have been changed for ever through the COVID-19 pandemic.  For Mary MacKillop the Cross became the Tree of Life.  Walking in and through the Cross she drew strength from the God who loved her. Mary MacKillop embraced the suffering in her life and shows us how to persevere in the face of adversity. We take to heart her message:

On this feast, ‘may we share in her courage, see with her vision, and love with her heart.’

May Mary MacKillop’s deep love for you be your gift this day.

Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader

You’re invited to view a video titled ‘Celebrating the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop’ below:

Mass will be live streamed from the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, North Sydney at 10:00am AEST on her feast day (Saturday 8 August 2020). Please find the link provided below:

Feast Day Mass live streamed from Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel

Footnotes:
[1] Lesley O’Brien, Mary MacKillop Unveiled, p. 145
[2] Mary MacKillop 17 June 1886

Media Release: National Vocations Awareness Week

Drawing on the wisdom of Saint Mary MacKillop through National Vocations Awareness Week (2-9 August 2020).

Each year the Church celebrates National Vocations Awareness Week. This week is dedicated to promoting the various expressions of Christian vocation with a focus on promoting priesthood and consecrated life.

This year, a group of Josephite Sisters and Affiliates have been asked to contribute video content about their Ministries and how they participate in God’s mission today.

“The response has been extremely pleasing, and we are thrilled to showcase the great works of these individuals,” said Kathleen Norman, Communications Manager, Sisters of Saint Joseph. “The first of the content series will be launched on Sunday 2 August in time for the start of National Vocations Awareness Week, and then continue throughout the remainder of this year.”

Drawing from reflection on Saint Mary MacKillop’s experience, Sister Monica added: “My advice to young Australians of faith is – be the voice of the gospel and the face of God in the world today. Be courageous; use your passion and energy to address the critical issues facing the world and church today.”

During these unusual times throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, research shows us there is a new openness to the sharing of faith in 2020. Australians have turned to prayer during the coronavirus with many wanting to spend more time growing their faith once restrictions are lifted.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph believe that Saint Mary MacKillop would offer encouragement during these difficult times. In 1907 she wrote to the Sisters:

Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader, believes strongly that Mary MacKillop is with us:

Saint Mary MacKillop herself wrote about her testing experience of being dangerously unwell:

Please continue reading the Media Release here (PDF)

For more information, please contact:

Kathleen Norman
Communications Manager
Sisters of Saint Joseph
Kathleen.Norman@sosj.org.au
+61 2 8912 2722   +61 438 006 566

Celebrate Mary’s Feast Day with Mary MacKillop Today

Provided below is a message from Mary MacKillop Today to schools about the feast of Mary MacKillop on 8 August 2020.

Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day is coming up in August.

This year is particularly special because it is the 10 year anniversary since Mary was canonised as Australia’s first Saint. Education was close to Mary’s heart and she knew its power to lift communities out of poverty. This is why Mary MacKillop Today is asking schools across Australia to celebrate Mary’s Feast Day with us and raise funds to help give children in Fiji access to early education!

Throughout August, we’re inviting schools to hold their own fundraising activities and set a target of $1,500 (or more!). That’s enough to give a vulnerable community in Fiji the resources they need to build a safe and effective learning environment for eager children.

Once your school is registered, Mary MacKillop Today will provide resources to help your school promote and run a successful fundraiser.

Click the link below to register for your school’s resources today and celebrate Mary MacKillop’s legacy by helping transform lives with the gift of education:

Mary MacKillop Feast Day fundraising activities

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Madeleine Gough, Mary MacKillop Today’s Community Partnerships Coordinator, directly via email madeleine.gough@marymackilloptoday.org.au or telephone on (02) 8912 2708