8 August 2023

Schools around the Archdiocese of Melbourne will reflect on the life and ongoing legacy of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop as they celebrate her feast day today.

Born in Fitzroy in 1842, Mary founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites) with Fr Julian Tenison Woods. Beatified in 1995, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was canonised in 2010 to become Australia’s first saint. Her commitment to providing education to the poor and vulnerable presents a lasting symbol for the mission of Catholic schools in Australia.

At St John XXIII Primary School, Thomastown East, the feast day is being celebrated with a Mass for the school and parish. ‘It’s her legacy of kindness and compassion that makes St Mary of the Cross such an enduring figure for our community here’, said Principal Frank Vetrone. ‘Responding to the needs of others through action rather than words provides the perfect role model for our students.’

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s commitment to education has also been recognised in the names of many of our schools. ‘We’re so fortunate that St Mary of the Cross is a constant reminder for our students to respond to the needs of others’, said Claire Pitcher, Principal of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Catholic Parish Primary School, Epping North. ‘Providing education was such a significant part of Mary’s story and we’re proud to be able to continue this important work for the families of Epping North.’

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.