10th anniversary of Mary MacKillop's Beatification
19th January 2005

Ceremony of Blessing of Extension to the Tomb

Text of Reflection on Readings

On the 10th anniversary of the Beatification of Mary MacKillop, 19th January 2005, a large crowd gathered for a special Eucharist and ceremony to bless the extensions to the Shrine around Mary MacKillop's tomb.

In her welcome Sr Joan Healy, a member of the Leadership Team of the Sisters of St Joseph,  reminded us of the events of the Beatification Ceremony which took place at the Randwick racecourse on the 19th January 1995. She spoke of Mary MacKillop as one whose holiness has been recognised by the Church and presented to us as a model.  Like Mary MacKillop each of us is called to follow Christ and grow into God's love for us.

The ceremony included all the Josephite congregational leaders of thepast 10 years.

Sr Mary Cresp who had been Congregational leader at the time of the Beatification lit the paschal candle.

Sr Giovanni Farquer who had been leader at the time that the planning for the extension began read the Scripture reading.

Sr Katrina Brill, the present Congregational leader, presided over the ceremony and spoke of the nature of shrines and how within the Catholic tradition shrines provide a sacred place where we can come to be more conscious of the God deep within us.

Sr Kerrie Cusack,

President of the Australian- New Zealand Federation of Sisters of St Joseph read the words of Mary MacKillop.

'Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, and let charity guide you in all your life,'

Sr Monica Cavangah, the member of the Congregational Leadership team with a special responsibility for Mary MacKillop Place, reflected on the reading from scripture in light of the words and life of Mary MacKillop.
Fr Paul Coleman sj the chaplain of Mary MacKillop Place blessed the extensions.