Celebrating the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop
This Friday 8 August, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first canonised saint and a woman whose life of faith, courage and compassion continues to inspire our College community.
Mary’s journey was anything but easy. Born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants, she was the eldest of eight children and began working at a young age to support her family. At just 24, she devoted her life to God, taking the name Mary of the Cross, and began a mission that would change the educational landscape for thousands of children.
A Legacy of Mercy and Justice
With Fr Julian Tenison Woods, Mary co-founded a school in South Australia dedicated to educating poor and isolated children. This humble beginning grew into the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart or the “Brown Joeys” as they came to be known as. The Sisters went wherever they were needed, often to remote and challenging places.
Mary’s deep commitment to justice meant she welcomed everyone, regardless of age, background, or social standing. In her schools, she treated all students with fairness and respect, ensuring each child received the same opportunities to learn and grow.
Courage in the Face of Challenge
Mary’s journey was marked by trials, including excommunication, ill health and opposition from those in power. Yet, she remained steadfast in her faith. She travelled to Rome to speak directly with the Pope, always advocating for the independence of her Sisters so they could serve where they were most needed.
Her own words still inspire us today: “God give me the strength for what is necessary” (1877).
A Role Model for Santa Maria Students
Mary MacKillop’s story reflects our Mercy values beautifully:
- Hospitality – Welcoming everyone into her schools and community.
- Compassion – Showing empathy and forgiveness, even to those who wronged her.
- Justice – Treating all people with fairness and dignity.
- Service – Going to the margins to help those most in need.
- Excellence – Striving to make education accessible and meaningful for all.
Why We Celebrate
Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day is a reminder to live out her example in our daily lives. Our challenges today may be different, but her spirit of faith, persistence and service continues to call us to action.
As Mary herself said: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
Carrying Her Spirit Forward
This Friday, we will gather in Homerooms to pray and remember Mary MacKillop’s life. It’s an opportunity for each of us to reflect on how we can bring a little more of Mary’s courage, kindness and hope into the world.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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