Mary MacKillop
Mary MacKillop was the co-Founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and Australia's soon to be canonised First Saint.
Beginnings
From Mary’s often troubled and humble beginnings in Melbourne to the establishment of a school in a stable in Penola, her early life showed her great desire to do God’s will and help those in need.
Growth
The desire Mary had for religious life, combined with her response to the needs of the poor bush children of Penola, resulted in her founding a new form of religious life.
Challenge
Mary’s trust in God’s will and providence enabled her to face the challenges that came both from within the Catholic Church and those endured through the loss of family and dear friends.
Influences
As the Sisters of St Joseph expanded throughout Australia and beyond, Mary’s endurance, coupled with her compassion and leadership, touched many people’s lives leaving a legacy that endures today
Legacy
Many women have followed in Mary’s footsteps, continuing her work in different ways in a variety of places, her words ‘Never see a need without doing something about it (1871)’ her legacy
