Liturgy News

Let us be joyful and thank God, Mary MacKillop wrote to her Sisters from Rome on the feast of St Joseph, 1874. There was much joy as Australians celebrated the canonisation of Mary MacKillop in Rome, at home here in Australia, in New Zealand and in places all around the world. What joy filled the hearts of pilgrims as they saw Mary MacKillop’s image hanging outside St Peter’s Basilica. At long last this much anticipated day was upon us. Everyone knew that there were Australians in Rome. On this occasion, they had gathered to celebrate the holiness of one of their own.

From the formal and solemn liturgy in Rome to the specially prepared liturgies celebrated in small rural communities in this country, this day brought many in touch with the sacred in their midst. It was indeed a time when God’s glory absorbed our thoughts and actions. What touched our hearts as we joined all in Rome for this unique moment in our history?

This celebration was clearly one that spoke of the universality of the Church. Mary’s image hung poignantly among six other new saints of the Church – some her contemporaries and others from different eras. What made hers significant was that it was a first. Never before had the image of an Australian hung in this sacred space. Perhaps with a little bias, one might say she stood out – her piercing blue eyes looking out on the crowd, telling her own story of strength in the midst of adversity, tenderness towards those in
trouble and forgiveness for those who had hurt her.

Though formal in its delivery, this liturgical celebration held some special moments in which authentically Australian insights into living the Gospel were expressed. Notable among these was the simple reliquary, made from a red river gum fence post from Penola, carefully handcrafted to retain the markings of the fence post holes. Glass framed within it were three simple strands of Mary’s hair, bringing this pioneering woman’s human presence into the midst of the gathered community. Its simplicity spoke of Mary MacKillop’s down-to-earth approach to life and her practical spirituality.

Who will forget the readings from the life and spirituality of Mary MacKillop spoken so fluently by Sr Judy Sippel and Sr Katrina Brill? And no, not even a Vatican Monsignor was going to steal this moment, as Judy held her ground – a true daughter of Mary MacKillop. All longed to know the words spoken to Sr Maria Casey, Postulator for the Cause, as she engaged with Pope Benedict XVI, holding his hand as if the two of them were old friends. One felt that he too was proud that he was able to declare the first Australian as a saint.

The Rite of Canonisation within the context of the Eucharist was simple and brief. Despite the many years of preparation it took just one short prayer to proclaim Mary MacKillop a saint of the universal Church.

Brothers and sisters, we are united here in prayer to participate in the solemn canonisation of the Blessed …, and then the moment, Mary of the Cross MacKillop, virgin, founder of the congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart - a sacred moment. In communities gathered around the televised screening a loud cheer and clapping broke out, followed in some cases by the singing of Alleluia - a proud and humbling moment for those who had gathered to be part of this historic event.

This solemn and historic occasion was set within the context of a triduum of events for the pilgrims gathered in Rome. On the Saturday evening, thousands had assembled at the Auditorium Conciliazione to participate in a presentation of the life of Mary MacKillop and a formal vigil liturgy.

On the Monday after the canonisation, all those who had come as pilgrims in honour of Mary MacKillop gathered at the basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving. As many of the pilgrims reflected, We felt so at home in this celebration, so proud to be Australian, so proud of Mary’s Sisters wearing their teal scarves, so proud of our Mary.

All around Australia, especially in places significant in the Mary MacKillop story, people gathered to celebrate. Just as the pilgrims in Rome were eager to walk in Mary’s footsteps, the faithful in Australia made their own pilgrimage journeys – to Penola South Australia and Mary MacKillop Place North Sydney, to celebrations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth. Others gathered in their local communities to make their own pilgrimage walks. Creatively and simply, communities found ways to mark this occasion in a uniquely Australian and religious way. 

Of particular note was the way in which the event captured the imagination of the media in this country. As one who worked alongside the media on this historic occasion, it was evident that there was a connection between this woman and today’s media personnel. Mary herself was a powerful communicator and these
modern day communicators were intrigued by her vision of choosing life for all.

As we move into the future, Australians find themselves in a new place in their journey with Mary MacKillop. The faithful are challenged to ponder how the Australian Church will be different now that it has a saint. This will be a continually unfolding process as we explore together its meaning. The principles set out in the 2001 document Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy serve as an important guide in developing devotion and veneration to Mary MacKillop as a saint of the universal Church. One thing is certain; the focus will remain on Mary MacKillop, a woman who faithfully lived the Gospel within the context of this ancient land and its history.

St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.