Feast Of St Mary Mackillop August 8th

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In Australia August the 8th is the feast of Mary MacKillop secondary patron of Australia (St Dominic is celebrated August 7th)

 

 

 

 

There is a very real sense in which the Church is one huge family that stretches through history. We are all very different. The Church goes through different epochs and ages and yet there is this incredible bond between us all that leads back to Jesus. But for us in our community, some people in that family are really special; the ones in our community who are such a wonderful example to us of what happens when you love Christ and give your life entirely to Him. For us in a very special way in Australia , Mary MacKillop is that person. The route that she has carved out in her life; the faith by which she lived and the love that characterised her life are special for us as we live in Australia, 

 

 In the Hebrew Scriptures Abraham began his journey without a clear understanding of his goal except that he recognised the call of God in his life. He died not knowing how God’s vision would be realised. This is the life of faith. Mary MacKillop began to follow the call of God with similar uncertainty. And in the darkness of set-back and opposition she clung to the promise of God’s fidelity.

 

To live by faith is like taking a walk on a dark night. The stars or the street lights give some light but we need to go carefully.

 

Jesus responded to this challenge of faith by telling his friends not to live in fear. The vision of God’s kingdom, calling us on, will be our assurance.

 

Mary placed complete trust in her God through the love of the Sacred Heart. She knew what she needed to treasure and of what to let go.  She encouraged others to rely on the gracious providence of God.

 

Mary MacKillop was pierced to the heart by the poverty and suffering that was all around her. Anybody who shared this awareness was encouraged to play a role in the healing, teaching and feeding ministry exemplified in Jesus.

 

Being Christian is about the care for one another in ordinary life, care of family, neighbourhood, or out into the wider society. Most of us will be the quiet unassuming presence of Jesus in our communities ready like yeast to bring about the transformation. Mary embraced the Cross of generous service to help and encourage others to reach out in love.

 

 

 8^th August

Saint Mary MacKillop

 

Celebrant:  As we bring our needs to God in prayer, we draw inspiration from St Mary MacKillop’s life of Christian service. So then let us pray

                                                                       

May Mary’s love for Christ and his Church help every Catholic in Australia to centre their lives on Christ, Lord, hear us.

 

May Mary’s dedication to God and the education of children alert us to  the rights and dignity of children, so that they can grow up and be educated in a safe, happy and trusting environment. Lord, hear us.

 

Mary never saw a need without doing something about it.

May we live in her spirit, ready to be a companion to those who are feeling the burdens and anxieties of life. Lord hear us

 

May the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and Peru be faithful to the vision and mission, of Mary MacKillop.  Lord, hear us

 

 

Celebrant:       God open our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can serve you in our brothers and sisters through Christ our Lord.