Feast of Mary MacKillop 16-17th October, 2010. On the Occasion of her Canonisation
This journey towards the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop has been a really special time of prayer and reflection and renewal for all of us.
Mary MacKillop is such a wonderful example of
FAITH,
COURAGE,
JUSTICE,
CHARITY,
COMPASSION,
GENTLENESS,
FORGIVENESS AND
TRUST IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE.
We will benefit so much from her example and her continued prayers for us as we strive to imitate her total dedication to Jesus and his good news
In the last year, and particularly in the last few months, I have been impressed by the special quotes that have surfaced from Mary’s writings. They capture something of the charism of Mary.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Try always to be generous with God – 1882
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Be calm and full of hope – 1881
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>There, (where you are), you will find God – 1871
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>God gives me strength for what is necessary – 1907
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>God’s love is too deep for words to express – 1870
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Many things that seemed unaccountable worries have proved indeed to be hidden blessings – 1870
• ‘Remember we are but travellers here.’ (1866)
• ‘We must teach more by example than by word.’ (1867)
• ‘Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.' (1891)
• ‘Courage, courage, trust in God who helps you in all things.’
• ‘We feel our crosses hard at times, but our courage should rise with them.’ (1882)
• ‘Let God’s Spirit guide you in your choice.’ (1898)
• Mary’s motto: ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.’
• When excommunicated by Bishop Sheil in 1871: ‘I do not know how to describe the feeling, but I was intensely happy, and felt nearer to God than I had ever felt before. The sensation of the calm, beautiful presence of God I shall never forget.’
Having said that, I think that journalist and religious commentator Geraldine Doogue, in the ABC Compass tv programme, summed up something about Mary MacKillop that I think is spot on!
“The Mary MacKillop story gets better the more you know about it. This is why it behoves us all to read more and more about it. Often in journalism, the closer you get to a 'big story', the more it shrinks in character. Not with Mary: hers is a truly great Australian story that should rank up there with all that other heroism we admire among the blokes. I promise you, seek the details out and you'll be deeply affected.” (Geraldine Doogue - ABC Compass)
So, the beauty, relevance and inspiration of Mary’s life goes deeper and deeper the more one delves…..
Many are drawn by Mary's compassion for anyone in need, regardless of race, colour or faith, and are inspired by the woman's goodness and reverence for the dignity of others especially those most neglected in society.
In 1868, she and the sisters opened a refuge for young women recently released from prison, an orphanage, and a house of providence as a home for older women, especially the frail aged.
In another test of her courage and humility, the Archbishop of Sydney in 1885 declared that Mary could no longer be superior general of the order and instead appointed another sister to that position. For 14 years the order that Mary founded was led by another sister, until Mary was re-elected in 1899.
On August 4 1909, Cardinal Moran visited Mary as she was preparing for death and gave her his blessing and words of encouragement. As he left he said, "I consider I have this day assisted at the deathbed of a saint".
Mary MacKillop's Foundational Beliefs
That God was active in her and in the lives of all whom she encountered
Let us love and praise God in all (1872)
Mary MacKillop's awareness of God's Presence and companionship seemed as natural as breathing. Her relationship with God gave meaning to her daily life.
That God was loving and provident
God's work does not depend on any of us (1895)
Mary MacKillop placed her trust in God, believing that God would provide whatever was needed in aspects of her life, be it a fare on the boat from Melbourne to Sydney, food and homes for the sisters, strength to face opposition and false accusation, or a way through a difficult situation.
That God, in Jesus called her and her sisters to show reverence for the dignity of all people
Make no reserves with God. Reject no-one. You never know what grace can do. (1871)
Mary MacKillop's reverence for all people meant she was incapable of 'giving up' on anyone.
That the compassionate love of God was available to all whom she met
If we have love in our hearts, we shall have God with us (1890)
Be kind to the poor foreigners. Remember I was one once, and as such was never laughed at nor unkindly criticized. (1875)
Mary MacKillop had a compassionate heart big enough to enclose all humanity no one was excluded.
That the will of God was integral to her life's journey
We must hold ourselves in readiness for God's will, whichever way things go. (1867)
Mary MacKillop was deeply attentive to the movement of God in her life encouraging the sisters to seek God's will. She exhorted them to true discernment which enabled them to determine the differences between their own ambition and God's will for them.
That the cross becomes the tree of life
God is good and has brought light and help when all was very dark (1899)
Mary MacKillop's endurance of suffering seems to have been an intimate part of her experience. When it came to suffering and hardship Mary MacKillop had more than her fair share including many tragic deaths within her family, a life- long battle with ill-health and many challenges from both within and beyond the church as she set about doing God's will. She trusted that through all these circumstances God's love would suffice.
That those who were most needy in our world come first.
Never be ashamed of work done for God and for God's poor. (1874)
Mary MacKillop and the sisters established "bush schools" and later, as needs arose, orphanages, refuges and other services for those most vulnerable in the society of their time.
That the work was a truly missionary one
Let Saint Joseph's true children remember their mission to seek first the poorest, most neglected parts of God's vineyard. (1890)
Mary MacKillop took her religious vows in response to what she perceived as a clear call from God to carry out a mission of love to the poor of the emerging Australian colonies. Mary and her sisters lived in and among the people going to places for which no other religious were available, responding to the God of life whatever the circumstances might be.
As we remember her final words, “Go on!” we are overjoyed and filled with hope, that her spirit (which reflects the loving graciousness of God), is truly alive today, and her work in and for the Gospel of Our Lord, continues.’
Sources:
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Various Quotes from Mary MacKillop.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Foundational Beliefs of Mary MacKillop. Pamphlet.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Blessed Mary Mackillop - true Australian hero. Published: The Catholic Leader, 9 August 2009
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