Heeding Pope Francis’ call to pilgrimage in 2025, nine schools from the SE AJASS (South-East Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools) Cluster travelled to Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island in August 2025 to witness the work and spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and her loyal Josephites.
Mary MacKillop’s work in New Zealand cannot be understated. Just as she did in Australia, she ventured out into the wild southern reaches of Aotearoa, to spread the good news and reach out a hand of friendship and goodwill to communities desperate for the provision of Catholic education and charitable outreach. The locals around places like Temuka and Arrowtown, carry the spirit of Australia’s first canonised saint and proudly acclaim her work and achievements.
It was fitting then that in the Year of Jubilee, nine schools representing the MacKillop banner of the AJASS South-East cluster, ventured to the areas paved by Mary MacKillop and her loyal Josephite Sisters, to witness first-hand the work of these remarkable women.
Forty-five students and staff from Marian College (Christchurch, ANZ), Cullinane College (Whanganui, ANZ), Sacred Heart College (New Town, Tas), St James Catholic College (Cygnet, Tas), MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Werribee, Vic), St Mary MacKillop College (Swan Hill, Vic), Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College (Leongatha, Vic), Penola Catholic College (Broadmeadows, Vic) and Mount St Josephs Girls’ College (Altona, Vic) proudly walked in the footsteps of Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Josephites.
As pilgrims of hope, we were warmly welcomed by Marian College, Christchurch, with a traditional Māori welcome (Mihi Whakatau) commissioning us to engage in the story of the land as well as the story of the Josephites. Roncalli College in Timaru also hosted us with a three-course dinner which the pilgrims still speak of today.
In Temuka, Fr Joseph Jolly celebrated mass for the pilgrims at St Joseph’s Church, across the road from the first Josephite school in the South Island. His homily acknowledged the work of the Josephites in the area, especially in education and outreach programs. The pilgrims visited the schoolhouse, an original building, used by the early Josephite Sisters to nurture the growth of the children of the area.
In Arrowtown, the story continued with the pilgrims visiting Mary MacKillop Cottage which Mary MacKillop acquired as a convent for the Sisters in those difficult early years.
As pilgrims, students and staff witnessed the ongoing struggle of these women driven by the needs of local communities crying out for Catholic education and support programs for the marginalised people of the area … and were amazed at what they were able to achieve.
The charm and good will of locals from all areas that we visited does not go unnoticed. It was a great experience for all involved and capped off the Year of Jubilee.
Ernie Pisani
Executive Officer, AJASS SE Cluster