A new book celebrating Mary MacKillop and her journey as the co-founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart congregation was launched on 8 August in Brisbane, Australia.
The book, Mary MacKillop and the Path of the Foundress, highlights both the uniqueness of Mary’s calling but also the fact that she belongs to a long line of foundresses of religious congregations of women.
The author, Carrie Lock, explores the lives of 50 foundresses and identifies themes common in the living out of their calling.
Two Sisters of Saint Joseph, Margaret McKenna and Anne Bond, supported Carrie by appraising her work prior to publication.
Speaking at the book launch, Sr Anne reflected on Carrie’s journey researching and sharing her deep insights into the challenges of women from the 12th century to today, who were called to be foundresses.
“Carrie explores their call to birth something new,” says Sr Anne.
“Common to all these women is the discernment of God’s call, their response grounded in their utter trust in God, active in their lives, their fidelity to continuing walking ‘the way’, even in suffering and opposition. They were women of courage, resilience and integrity.”
Sr Anne continued to say that “these women and Mary MacKillop call us to trust, courage and fidelity… to have their eyes to see need; ears to hear; and hearts to respond. God is indeed with us on our unfolding journey. Many thanks Carrie for your passion and commitment in bringing this book to birth”.
Carrie Lock shared; “The life of St Mary MacKillop was unique, and yet also part of a long tradition of women who have been prepared to ‘lay self aside’ in response to a God-given call and mission to create a religious congregation.
“The path Mary trod as foundress is viewed not in isolation, but in the company of other foundresses. Part One looks at themes in the lives of foundresses, with a particular study of Mary MacKillop, and Part Two explores Mary’s inner spiritual life, which was the rock upon which she built the foundation.”
The book also pays special attention to St Teresa of Avila, St Teresa of Calcutta and Venerable Magdeleine of Jesus – foundress of the Little Sisters of Jesus. Published by St Pauls publications, the book is available for purchase online here.
Read an article of the book in The Catholic Leader of Brisbane: www.catholicleader.com.au/news/qld/tracing-the-path-of-brave-catholic-women-who-set-out-to-live-their-faith