Our First Saint - Mary MacKillop

Today February 19 2010 The Vatican has announced that an ordinary consistory will be held to approve plans for the canonization of six new saints, including Blessed Mary MacKillop (1842-1909) who founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Mary Mackillop's Feast Day is August 8th.

For those who do not know much about Mary Mackillop, this is I think the link for the most information about her and the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart - Mary MacKillop Place.
Catholic Australia also has some very detailed accounts of her life. A very easy and enjoyable read.
For a brief overview this is a good one too.

As this is our very first Australian Saint we will be dedicating today in celebration of her canonisation.
We are planning to go to Friday Mass and Adoration afterwards, providing we are all recovered form the dreaded disease that has been running through the family.

As we are still thinking through how we will celebrate. We are thinking as it is Friday in Lent and Stew is off the Menu, we will have to focus on sweet things. What a shame!!
Therefore the menu will consist of ~
Pavola with cream and chocolate and strawberries
Make cookies with the Sisters of St Joseph symbol on top

I also think we could embroider this without too much trouble into a small banner.
Colouring pages ~ I haven't found any online so we will have to draw some ourselves unless Charlotte happens to do one.
Print out holy cards for feast day box to keep.
Perhaps we can try a sculpy or clay statue as depicted below.

At the moment I am brain fuddled and can't come up with anything else - also my creative children are all in bed so.....this is my attempt for now.
I love this statue of Mary with the children. I think it captures the love she had for children so well.

Mary Mackillop Prayer ~

Most loving God,

We thank you for the example

of Blessed Mary MacKillop,

who in her living of the Gospel

witnessed to the human dignity

of each person.

She faced life's challenges with

faith and courage.

We pray through her intercession

for our needs........

May her holiness soon be

acknowledged by the

universal Church.

We make this prayer through

Jesus the Lord.

Amen.

This is Mary Mackillop's tomb is Sydney at Mary MacKillop Place. For more beautiful images just click the link.

Mary MacKillop Pray for Us!

Blessings,