With gratitude, I think back to the beatification of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – it was a joyful occasion on many fronts. Mary was beatified on 19 January 1995 by Pope John Paul II.
We celebrated Mary, who made room in her heart for all she encountered. Some were friends, while others struggled to accept a woman who could do God’s work in the manner that she did. She was a colonial Australian who worked for the good of all and through God’s grace, provided education and care for children and adults in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mary came from a family that valued their faith in God. Though her family endured its ups and downs, Mary listened for God’s call and responded with all her heart. Mary’s beatification was a national celebration that set hearts on fire right across Australia. Pope John Paul II shared in that joy with us when he pronounced her Blessed.
I remember having goosebumps when her image was lifted on two huge banners on either side of the altar at Randwick Racecourse. Then in amazement, I watched the blue monogram rolled out through the crowd gathered before the altar. Mary wore that symbol on her habit, honouring Jesus, Joseph, John the Baptist, and Mary the mother of Jesus. She carried that image on her brown habit throughout her Religious Life.
As I recall that event, I can still feel the energy of that day flowing through me. It is the energy of the Holy Spirit calling me to do my part in bringing all into God’s kingdom.
Diane Phillips rsj