Mary MacKillop Feast Day: 8 August 2023
Australia's passionate advocate of Catholic education for all children: St Mary MacKillop
In June this year at his General Audience, Pope Francis spoke about St Mary MacKillop and her dedication to the poor, to formation and education, noting that Mary MacKillop believed she was sent 'to spread the Good News and invite others to encounter the living Christ'.
Mary devoted her life to Catholic education and founded several schools to spread the Gospel and offer a holistic education for underprivileged children and children in remote areas. She opened her first school in southern Australia, which was followed by others in rural communities in other parts of the country and in New Zealand.
Mary MacKillop was a woman of deep faith and trust.
We ask her to walk with us and pray with us.
A Prayer for Mary MacKillop
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request (insert request)
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God, hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Mary MacKillop
Amen.
The Pope prayed that '… her efforts to form young people inspire us today … and may her intercession sustain the daily work of parents, teachers, catechists, and all educators, carried out for the good of young people and a future that is more humane and full of hope.'
Source: Vatican News