Giving thanks to Blessed Mary MacKillop for Catholic education in Australia
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| Greg Whitby presents Sr Mary Quinlan with certificate of appreciation |
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| Greg Whitby and Bishop Kevin Manning with the Sisters of St Joseph |
A special mass was held in the Diocese of Parramatta on Wednesday 4 November to mark the centenary of the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop and to give thanks to the Sisters of St Joseph for their significant contribution to Catholic education in Australia.
The celebrations were held at St Patrick's Catholic Church, Blacktown and was attended by staff and students from the 17 schools in the diocese that were founded or led by the Sisters of St Joseph.
The event started with a drama production of Mary MacKillop’s early life called ‘Young Mary’ performed by Starrs Productions.
Sr Susan Connelly from the East Timor Mission then spoke about Mary MacKillop’s contribution to Catholic education in Australia and said Mary MacKillop would be impressed with the quality of Catholic education in Australia now.
‘Our Catholic school system in Australia owes a great deal to Sr Mary MacKillop,’ said Sr Susan. ‘She would be thrilled to see we have such a great tools to educate us in these times,’ she said.
‘If she were here today, I think she would say you need to use your education to help poor children around the world to get an education as well.’
The Sisters of St Joseph were acknowledged and thanked for their contribution to Catholic education in Australia, particularly in the Parramatta diocese by the presentation of a framed certificate of appreciation to Sr Mary Quinlan, provincial leader of the Sisters of St Joseph. The certificate featured a photo of the statue of Mary MacKillop commissioned for St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta and was signed by Most Reverend Kevin Manning, Bishop of Parramatta and Greg Whitby, executive director of schools.
Greg Whitby thanked the Sisters of St Joseph for continuing the traditions of Mary MacKillop and for their continuing inspiration in Catholic schools in the diocese.
‘Mary MacKillop’s dreams for educating children continue to inspire us today,’ said Greg. ‘Her spirit lives on in the rich traditions of the Sisters of St Joseph and is also reflected in much of the work we do in the Diocese of Parramatta.’
The presentation was followed by a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Kevin Manning and Parish Priests from four of the schools with a special luncheon held afterwards.
In his homily, Bishop Manning said Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph are a great example of how people should live their lives.
‘Mary MacKillop will not be made a saint simply because she founded a religious order, or started schools, or fought with bishops, but because she dedicated herself to doing what God wanted her to do. She tried to live the Gospel every day to the best of her ability,’ said Bishop Manning.
‘As we give thanks to God for the life of Blessed Mary MacKillop, and look forward to the day when she will be Australia’s first saint, the Catholic school system of the Diocese of Parramatta thank the sisters for their lives of dedicated service in the mission of Jesus, and in the footsteps of Blessed Mary, and encourage all students to imitate their example.’
Schools founded or led by the Sisters of St Joseph in the Diocese of Parramatta:
| Holy Family Primary, Granville East | 1943 – 1987 |
| Holy Trinity Primary, Granville | 1885 – 1977 |
| Mary MacKillop Primary, Penrith South | 1984 – 1987 |
| McCarthy Catholic College, Emu Plains | 1995 |
| Our Lady of Lourdes Primary, Seven Hills | 1963 – 1994 |
| Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, St Marys | 1880 – 1994 |
| Sacred Heart Primary, Mt Druitt South | 1983 – 1988 |
| St Aidan’s Primary, Rooty Hill | 1907 – 1968 |
| St Bernadette’s Primary, Lalor Park | 1962 – 1995
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| St Canice’s Primary, Katoomba | 1920 – 1921 |
| St Finbar’s Primary, Glenbrook | 1955 – 1985 |
| St John Vianney’s Primary, Doonside | 1986 – 1988 |
| St Joseph’s Primary, Kingswood | 1963 – 1981 |
| St Joseph’s Primary, Schofields | 1998 – 2001 |
| St Margaret Mary’s Primary, Merrylands | 1942 – 1949 |
| St Nicholas of Myra Primary, Penrith | 1910 – 1989 |
| St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood | 1921 – 1976 |
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