Three offerings on St Mary MacKillop
Events
Remember, and find out more, about Mary MacKillop with three special events in one week led by Sr Mary Ryan rsj.
Anyone keen to learn more about Australia’s first saint including how and why she was excommunicated is in for a treat with three special remembrances lined up for Adelaide in early August.
The Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Kensington will be hosting a free, two-hour Moments with Mary MacKillop from 10am on Monday August 4 followed by the annual Mary MacKillop Feast Day Mass on Friday August 8, also with a 10am start. This will be celebrated by Fr Maurice Shinnick in St Joseph’s Chapel, Kensington.
Saturday August 9 (9.30am to 4pm) is reserved for A Day with Mary MacKillop, also at the Spirituality Centre, on the site where Mary lived for 11 years.
The day will be hosted by Mary Ryan rsj who describes Mary MacKillop as “my hero and my passion”. Mary is a consummate authority on the woman who has become known as the ‘saint for All Australians’. She was the inaugural director of Mary MacKillop Precinct and has dedicated much of her life to ensuring the legacy of her hero, earning her an Order of Australia medal (OAM) in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.
“People are always curious about why she was excommunicated and I am going to deal with that,” Sr Mary told The Southern Cross.
Mary MacKillop’s story was discovered and championed by journalist, and avowed agnostic, Max Harris who was cremated on the same day that Mary MacKillop was beatified in 1995.
In a preview of her talk, Sr Mary said Mary MacKillop came from a poor, dysfunctional family.
“When people understand her story they will identify with her,” Sr Mary said.
“She chose not to be a victim.”
Bookings are essential for A Day with Mary MacKillop mmsm.org.au/retreats/a-day-with-mary-mackillop/ For information about cost and concessions email admin.mmpsa@sosjspirit.org.au Parking is off street with public transport available.
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