Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born in 1842, Mary MacKillop dedicated her life to the service of others, especially the poor and marginalised. Her deep faith and determination led her to co-found the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a religious order committed to education and helping those in need.

Mary’s story is one of courage, resilience and a belief in the power of education to transform lives. At a time when access to schooling was limited, especially for rural and disadvantaged children, Mary and her fellow sisters travelled far and wide to establish schools across Australia, often in remote and challenging conditions. Her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” continue to inspire the mission of Catholic schools today.

Earlier this year, our Year 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to visit Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney as part of their excursion. It was a meaningful experience for the students, giving them the chance to walk in Mary’s footsteps, explore the museum, and pray at her tomb. This visit deepened their understanding of her life and the impact of her work.

On her Feast Day, we pray in thanksgiving for Saint Mary MacKillop’s life and legacy. Saint Mary MacKillop, pray for us.