Saint Mary Mackillop Day

Saint Mary MacKillop Day is held in honour of Australia’s first Catholic saint, Mary MacKillop. The observance is an opportunity to remember and acknowledge her extraordinary dedication to the education of the less fortunate and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Recognised for her strong connection to Australian society, Saint Mary MacKillop Day is a time to reflect on her teachings, her impact on the nation, and to consider how her values and principles can still inspire and guide us today.

Mary MacKillop, born on the 15th of January 1842, was a tireless advocate for the education of the poor and underprivileged in Australia and New Zealand. Together with Father Julian Tenison Woods, she founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph, an order of nuns dedicated to providing accessible education and alleviating the suffering of those in need. In 1995, Mary MacKillop was beatified by Pope John Paul II, and in 2010, she was canonised as Australia’s first saint by Pope Benedict XVI. Saint Mary MacKillop Day serves as a reminder for the people of Australia of her humanitarian work and the vital importance of addressing social inequities and supporting those in need.

Saint Mary MacKillop Day is traditionally observed with church services, special liturgies, and educational programs related to her life and work. Schools, particularly those affiliated with the Sisters of St. Joseph, often organise activities and events to encourage their students to embrace her values, such as respect, inclusion, fairness, and compassion. Saint Mary MacKillop Day is observed annually on the 8th of August, the anniversary of her death in 1909.