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.

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