St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

A reflection by Fr Michael Tate

In the mid-late 19th century, a young woman was very concerned with the plight of the poor and the marginalised in the colonies which later became the Commonwealth of Australia. Amongst the most obvious necessities of life for these ‘least’ was schooling of the young, as education is a proven path out of poverty.

So, this woman, whose most famous saying was ‘never see a need without trying to do something about it’, set about remedying that situation. Mary McKillop established the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart principally to educate the poor. From quietly and unobtrusively teaching in a stable in 1866, to founding a religious order that spread throughout and beyond a continent, Mary’s spiritual journey was truly focused on “God’s saving justice”. Tending to Australia’s Aboriginal peoples, prisoners facing execution, children requiring education, the homeless, the orphaned, the sick, indeed anybody she saw in need, Mary shows us how God seeks to answer the day’s troubles: through us. She suffered excommunication for revealing sexual abuse of youngsters by a paedophile priest. That was reversed five months later, but this all took its toll on her fragile health.

Reflection by Greg Sunter

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia! We pause for a moment to pray that we may join St Mary of the Cross in Heaven, together with all the Josephite sisters who set their hearts on the Father’s kingdom and His saving justice.

Explore the liturgy created by the Office of the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Wollongong to commemorate Mary MacKillop’s centenary in 2020. This is a wonderful resource led by Bishop Brian.

Celebration of the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Join our school community for a Mary Mackillop prayer celebration on Monday 9th August at 11.30am. The Zoom link is: https://dowcatholic.zoom.us/j/61990746889

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A mother carries her child in her womb, giving that child a share in her own life. What if a child were able to share its life with its mother? This is what we believe happened between our Risen Lord and his mother, Mary. It is our faith that our Lord nourishes Mary with His Resurrection life, meaning that her bodysoul, her total humanity, is filled with His Divine glory. She grace-fully made the transition from earthly to heavenly existence without the wrenching apart of body and soul which we may expect. This is what we mean by ‘The Assumption’. This has been believed and celebrated since the early centuries of the church. Why was it only proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950? Maybe because in the first half of the 20th century tens of millions were killed in wars, death camps and in the Russian and China Communist dictatorships. The Holy Spirit needed to remind the world that human beings are bodysouls made for transfiguration, not disfiguration by starvation, torture, or massacre.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

On the 9th August each year we celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. We give thanks for the sacredness of the traditions and cultures of our Indigenous sisters and brothers, whom through their example have enlightened our way to walk gently upon this earth which our Creator has gifted us.

Video - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

MASS AT HOME LINK

If you would like to continue to pray the Mass in these times a good site to use is https://massforyou.com.au/

Fr Richard will be streaming Masses for St Columbkille’s on Tuesday to Friday, and then the Sunday Mass which will be uploaded on Saturday night for the Vigil. The masses can be found at www.corrimalparish.org.au

Ripples with Robyn Gallagher

Ripples Episode 24: Strength and Flexibility - In Conversation with Matthew Ames (Part 2)

Link: Ripples Episode 24

Description: In this Second Episode released this week Matthew Ames speaks about some of the practices that have sustained him over the years since surviving streptococcal toxic shock and the loss of his four limbs. He speaks about the value of gratitude, mindfulness, prayer and acceptance.

Visual Meditations

A reminder that the Catholic Education Office has a number of Visual Meditations available for your use. Gratitude, hope and kindness are just a few of the topics presented.

Have a great fortnight. Stay safe.

Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator