Tomorrow, August 8, we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. We have many saints in our Catholic Tradition but unfortunately we tend to forget the great example of holiness lived by Australia’s first Saint. Mary MacKillop was an advocate for the poor, the sick and vulnerable in our society.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has exacerbated the plight of the marginalised within our society. We have witnessed the lack of care for our elderly, many have lost their jobs, business have had to close down and we have seen extreme examples of greed as we fight over groceries.

St Mary Mackillop’s love for Christ was so strong that she sought Him out in the poor, sick and suffering. There are many examples in St Mary Mackillop’s life where she put aside her own needs in order to serve the sick, lonely and disadvantaged. We need to take the example of St Mary Mackillop and constantly be aware of the dignity of others, especially during this pandemic. Are there people that would appreciate a phone/video call? Are there elderly that are in need of caregiving? Are there people that have lost their jobs in need of assistance with the purchasing of essential items? In March 1900 Mary Mackillop wrote to the sisters:

“If choice be given, seek the most neglected places to which He (Christ) calls us. Let us never forget that, in the spirit of our Rule, it is to those we should desire to go... Let us be true to the beautiful spirit of our Institute... Let St Joseph’s true children remember their mission and seek first the poorest, most neglected parts of God’s vineyard.”

Let us pray that we too will ‘seek first the poorest.’ St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Pray for us.

Prayer Resources

Below are some great resources to support students and their families in nurturing their prayer and spiritual life in the home. I highly encourage you to access these resources.

Click here to view Faith and Spirituality in the home 

Click here to view Prayer in the Family home

Sunday Gospel Focus

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

Matthew 14:22-33