On 19 January 2025, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Saint Mary MacKillop’s Beatification – a significant milestone that highlights Mary’s enduring legacy as Australia’s first saint.
Beatified on 19 January 1995, by Pope John Paul II, Mary MacKillop was recognised for her profound faith, compassion, and tireless dedication to education.
As co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Mary established schools across Australia for the most marginalised children, and she played an important role in establishing universal education across Australia.
At Mary Mackillop Today we are dedicated to carrying on Mary’s legacy, both in Australia and overseas, believing in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty for young people.
Young people like nine-year-old Joaquim, from a remote village Timor-Leste. His teacher attended our 5-day Teacher Training Project workshop, where she gained the skills and knowledge, she needed to ensure that her students receive a quality education in her classroom.
Joaquim has just gone into 3rd grade and he’s happy with how motivated his teacher is for him to learn.
“When I go home, I try and learn everything that I need to for school the next day. I borrow books from my teacher and take them home so that I can study hard. My teacher is teaching us how to be good people and I really like her.”
Thank you for your support in bringing the love of learning to children like Joaquim.
