Saint Mary of the Cross Solemnity

Saint Mary of the Cross Solemnity is celebrated on the anniversary of Saint Mary MacKillop's death on August 8, 1909. She was the first Mother Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart; and the first Australian canonised by the Catholic Church. The church declared her a saint in October 2010. She was devoted to teaching and charity, providing both secular and religious education in the schools that she founded. She is recognised as a key religious figure, educator, and social reformer, and her Feast Day recognises her contributions to these areas. Holy God, source of all goodness, you show us in Mary MacKillop a woman of faith who lived by the power of the cross. Teach us to embrace what she pioneered: new ways of living the gospel that respect and defend the human dignity of all in our land.