Thursday 8 August is the Feast of St Mary of the Cross. Mary MacKillop, St Mary of
the Cross, is Australia’s first Saint. She is the Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Brisbane
and founded many schools across Australia to provide an education to the poor and those
in most need. Mary led a life of great courage and trust in God. She was a trail-blazer in
her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved
the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries which addressed the
needs of 19th century Australia. Her legacy continues today in countless ways.
Student leaders from our Catholic Identity Team represented SJV to celebrate the Solemnity
of St Mary of The Cross MacKillop at St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Ever-generous God, You inspired St 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 joining with
St Mary MacKillop, 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.
(Shared by the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph Nihil Obstat Sydney April 2009.)
© Brisbane Catholic Education, St John Vianney's School (2024)
