As we reflect on the recent Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop, held on 8 August, we are filled with gratitude and joy for our community’s incredible support and participation. This special day was a true commemoration of Mary MacKillop’s legacy.
How Mary’s work began
Mary MacKillop was a visionary who recognised the transformative power of education. She dedicated her life to ensuring that children had access to education regardless of their circumstances. Her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” continue to inspire us today.
Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph travelled to some of Australia’s most remote communities, overcoming significant challenges to set up schools and teach with love and compassion. Their dedication to serving those in need and their fierce commitment to reaching the margins are values that we strive to uphold at Mary MacKillop Today — all with the support of kind people like you.
Reflections from Jane Woolford
Our CEO, Jane Woolford, shared her thoughts about how she sees Mary’s legacy alive today:
“I’ll never forget things like the time I visited a remote school in Timor-Leste, where the classroom was filled with the joyful voices of children singing songs about literacy and numeracy. Or when I met with women in remote villages of Fiji, who were learning new skills to build their own livelihoods. These vibrant women and children remind me of Saint Mary MacKillop herself.
“In my role at Mary MacKillop Today, I have witnessed countless examples like these that reflect what Mary’s legacy looks like in today’s world. Mary knew the power of education to lift communities out of poverty.”
Thank you to the participating schools!
We were thrilled to see schools across the country join us in celebrating Mary’s Feast Day. Schools hold fundraising activities each year to support our educational programs, such as the Inclusive Early Education project (formerly Mobile Learning Centre) in Timor-Leste. This project provides children in remote areas with access to creative and fun learning activities and storybooks in their local language.
By participating in this year’s Feast Day activities, schools have helped continue Mary’s mission of providing education to those who need it most. Thank you to all the kind students, families and teaching staff for your amazing efforts!
Events at Mary MacKillop Place
Mary MacKillop Place hosted a range of celebrations, including dedicated Masses throughout the day and free entry into the Museum. It was such a joy to see so many of you at the Mary MacKillop Today’s stall, where we had the chance to chat in person and share more about our work.
Be Fierce for Fair
Mary’s Feast Day continues to be a special time to remember her legacy and walk in her footsteps. Like Mary, let’s be fierce in the face of adversity and fair when we see injustice. Let’s give love to those we encounter each day. Together, let’s be Fierce for Fair!
“So great is the strength we possess in our unity.” – Saint Mary MacKillop
Thank you for being a part of this year’s Feast Day celebrations. Your support means so much to us and to the communities we serve. Let’s continue to Be Fierce for Fair and reach the margins through Mary MacKillop’s enduring spirit.
