Marist Sisters across the Region joined in celebrating the Canonisation of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Both in Australia and in Aotearoa-New Zealand the Marist Sisters have had a close relationship with the Sisters of St Joseph. We are delighted that the Foundress of this courageous group of religious women has been given the honour of sainthood. We pray that Mary Mackillop’s qualities of courage, love for the poor and complete tust in Divine Providence will continue to be an inspiration for all of us.
Our Regional Leadership, Srs Julie, Anne and Margaret, were fortunate to be in the Northern Hemisphere for a meeting just prior to the Canonisation. They, along with member of the Marist Sisters General House community in Rome, were able to be present in St Peter’s Square for the Canonisation ceremony.
In Australia Sr Gail, Sector Leader of Australia, participated in a vigil of prayer with the Sisters of St Joseph at their General House in North Sydney just prior to the Canonisation. She then joined with the sisters to watch a live broadcast of the Canonisation ceremony. The Sefton Community of Marist Sisters hosted a Canonisation party. Thirteens Sisters gathered there for Evening Prayer and finger food refreshments before watching a live broadcast of the Canonisation on television.