This week Mary MacKillop was recognized as Australia’s first saint and I thought it only fitting that this post was dedicated to her. Although born in Melbourne of Scottish parents on the 15th Jan 1842, the majority of her good work was done right here in South Australia, in the small town of Penola.

She originally came to Penola as a governess to look after the children of her aunt and uncle, yet even then because of her want to help the poor she included other children and took them under he wing as well. After about 2 years she accepted a teaching job in Portland Victoria, but not before she was noticed by Father Julian Edmund Tenison Woods.

While teaching in Portland Father Woods encouraged Mary to open a Catholic school in Penola, which she did, along with two of her sisters, in 1866. To learn more of this truly amazing woman you should visit the Blessed Mary MacKillop site.

On March the 22nd a bronze statue commemorating Blessed Mary MacKillop was unveiled at an official blessing and dedication ceremony conducted by Archbishop Philip Wilson. As can be seen from this photo, Mary, being well known for her work with children, is holding hands with two young children.

The artist behind this sculpture is Adelaide artist Judith Rolevink, and although relatively new it is already attracting a fair bit of attention, and I’m sure that it will only increase now that the Catholic Church has recognized her as a saint. The statue sits next to the St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral.

Make my day and shout me a beer.

If you were to walk or drive down North Terrace in Adelaide you couldn’t help but notice the old Fowler’s Lion Factory. The feature that makes it stand out from the rest of the buildings on the street is the majestic stone statue of the lion on top of the building. The appearance of the lion is definitely  one of royalty as he stands there watching over his subjects as they  move past his watchful gaze.

David and James Fowler, the men who first established D and J Fowler (Australia) Ltd in 1854, moved their retail outlet from King William St. to  this building in 1906. It seems that destiny had other plans for this building, other than the owners original plans for it.

In the 70’s up until 1998 it was the home of The Adelaide Fringe Festival. At present it houses the nightclub Fowler’s Live, the Jam Factory which is art related and has nothing to do with jam at all, as well as other venues.

Make my day and shout me a beer.

The other day, because of all the stupid roadworks that was going on around South Road, I decided to take another route. I turned onto Ascot Avenue when turned into Lower Portrush Road and low and behold I saw something quite unique to what I’m used to in regard to local Church architecture. Note, at first glance it didn’t hit me as a Church at all.

I had to pull over to have a better look. It was simple but amazing at the same time. At first it seemed to be some huge monument that seemed to be built entirely from polished marble or granite.

After a bit of Googling I discovered that the Church/Temple belonged to the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, the second temple built in Australia.

In a way I suppose you could consider it a monument, a monument to God. A bit more Googling found this article which revealed that the Adelaide Australia Temple was actually constructed of snow white granite brought in from the region of Campolonghi.

From the road there was a lovely statue of what could be considered a nativity scene.

The center piece of the Temple, that seems to be made of gold as can be seen from the first photo, is a many blowing a trumpet, possible heralding the coming of Jesus.

I was hoping that this link would lead to mass/ worship times, but it seems that it’s very rarely open. Maybe that tap on the shoulder from the Grounds and Gardens bloke asking if I had a key to their huge manicured gardens. Unfortunately, I was just some snapping photos. I must admit though, that their grounds did look pretty cool.

Make my day and shout me a beer.