Mary MacKillop Place, the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Mary MacKillop Today extend a warm invitation to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
We look forward to welcoming everyone, including our pilgrims and supporters, to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney.
“Mary MacKillop Place is a sacred site unlike any other because Mary lived, died and is buried here,” says Sr Josephine Dubiel, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
“The Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is a special opportunity to gather in prayer, celebration and community, giving thanks for Mary’s life, faith and enduring legacy. For the Josephite family, this day holds particular significance. Her example continues to inspire people across Australia and the world.”
There is plenty to experience across Mary MacKillop Place throughout the day on 8 August: visit the Memorial Chapel, attend Mass, pray at Mary’s tomb, participate in creative activities, and share good food and hospitality.
There will be free admission to the Museum to explore the story of Mary MacKillop and the foundation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph 160 years ago by Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. Throughout the day, light meals will be on sale, plus the Chapel, gift shop and café will be open for extended hours.
This year, Mary MacKillop Place and the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry are hosting a 9-day online pilgrimage Novena.Across nine evenings, themes of hope, wonder and trust through life will be explored through 30-minute sessions. Register to attend on the Mary MacKillop Place website.
Also new in 2026 on 8 August is a Holy Hour for Young People prior to the 6:00pm Mass. Music and adoration will be led by a young adult community, with a particular invitation extended to those aged 18-35. For children, families and all creatives, a Feast Day Wonder and Reflection Zone in the old School House at North Sydney will offer an opportunity to enjoy mindful creative activities.
More Feast Day details are below and on the Mary MacKillop Place website.
When: Saturday, 8 August 2026
Where: Mary MacKillop Place
Pedestrian and Wheelchair access: 80 William Street, North Sydney or via the Museum Gates, 7 Mount Street, North Sydney
Mass times: 8:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm and 6:00pm (the 10:00am Mass will also be livestreamed so all can join in on this special occasion. Livestream Link for 10:00am Mass – click here)
Holy Hour for Young People: 4:30pm – 5:45pm
Chapel opening time: 7:30am to 7:30pm (the Chapel will be open for private prayer and visits to Mary MacKillop’s tomb)
Museum opening time: 7:30am to 5:00pm
Gift Shop & Café opening time: 7:30am to 5:00pm
After much planning and preparation on site, and hard work by Sisters, staff, and volunteers, we look forward to welcoming you.
School and Parish Resources
Mary MacKillop Today shares Feast Day school and parish resources, including a downloadable Kindness Planner, fundraising ideas, Feast Day poster and PowerPoint presentation to inspire students and parishioners celebrating Australia’s first Saint as a united community. Click on the link for ideas to celebrate St Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day.
Learn more about the work of Mary MacKillop Today with a profile on Australia’s first education activist, and why there is still work to do.