So Small a Beginning: Part 5
August 8, 2020Sr Marie Foale speaks about the beginnings of the Institute of St Joseph for the Catholic education of poor children.
She believes that as a young Josephite growing up, she had a sense that one day Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods had made a spontaneous decision to found an order.
You’re invited to watch the fifth and final part of Sr Marie’s conference speech, ‘So Small a Beginning’ below…
Part 5
Geocaching
How did you learn about Mary MacKillop?
Maybe it was a book read, a movie, or a visit to a museum. However, thousands of people every year, do none of these things, but do go GEOCACHING! Geocaching is the world’s largest treasure hunt and it can lead you to a journey through the story of Mary MacKillop.
In 2000, when GPS became widely available, a man named Dave Ulmer hid a container, called a cache, in the woods. He noted the co-ordinates of his hide and spread the news to his friends. The first person to find it using a GPS could keep what was hidden in the cache. He also put inside the cache a piece of paper, so that friends could leave their names as finders, even though they didn’t get the prize.
This was the beginning of a worldwide game called “Geocaching.” Friends of Dave went and did their own hides for other friends to find, and consequently many more joined in the fun. In fact, there are now 7 million people looking for more than 3 million caches hidden across the world. And over 150 of those hides are placed at significant sites of the Mary MacKillop story.
Each ‘hide’ in Geocaching has a page on the website with a story about the hide, clues (e.g. size of the container and other hints like, “in a tree”) and a map to find it. When someone finds the hide, they leave their name on the paper inside the cache and type a message on the website.
The first hide for the Mary MacKillop cache series was hidden at Mount Street, North Sydney near the site of her burial place. The hides have now extended to be in all states and territories, as well as New Zealand, Ireland and Scotland. Caches are now near Museums for Mary MacKillop, schools, Statues, Plaques, streets and parks all connected to Mary MacKillop’s story
People from all over the world are discovering these hides and learning about Mary MacKillop. In many cases, they had not previously heard of her story. Unlike books, geocaching allows for a physical adventure to places of significance in Mary’s life. Posts on the website by finder’s attribute to this…
I have travelled this road to work for many years. Never knew Mary started this school in my town.
So, if you would like to know more about Mary MacKillop you could read a book, surf the web or visit one of the museums. Alternatively, download the Geocaching App on your iPhone (or visit the website), hit the ‘find a geocache’ button and follow the directions.
A great way to do a pilgrimage… no bookings required!
Happy Geocaching!
Watch a video explaining geocaching here
Julianne Murphy rsj
Reflection on Mary MacKillop
St Mary MacKillop’s Example.
This year (2020), Australia will celebrate the tenth anniversay of the canonisation of St Mary MacKillop. Let us reflect on Mary MacKillop’s characteristics and the features of her courageous life that gave her sainthood.
“Holiness, the heart of canonisation, consists in doing the will of God. That is why in those last years of paralysis in her wheelchair Mary was far from being a ‘retired saint’. She was a saint at her very best, because she was doing the will of God in most trying circumstances. It is not achievement that makes saints, it is holiness.” Paul Gardiner SJ 2010.
Consider:
- Mary endured many trials during her life. Take time to name for yourself what you believe enabled her to rise above these obstacles;
- What do you see as Mary’s saintly qualities that gave recognition to her as a saintly woman whom we recognize as a great example throughout the nation and indeed the world?
- How does Mary MacKillop’s example help us to endure the obstacles in our daily life?
Spend some time in quietness and prayer thanking God for your own and for God’s incredible care.
Michele Shipperley rsj
Candle image: Hands Open Candle by Myriams-Fotos obtained from Pixabay. Used with permission.
Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day 2020
Greetings on the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop.
Celebrating the feast of Mary MacKillop in 2020 will be different for many of us. During these past months people across the world have been dealing with the reality and impact of the coronavirus. For many places where devotion to Saint Mary MacKillop has grown, this year’s celebration of her life will be different. With limited attendance in churches, the celebration of Eucharist for many will be through live stream. With pilgrimage sites not accessible for people, we need once again to draw upon our creativity and find different ways to mark this special day in the life of the church. What encouragement might Mary MacKillop offer us at this time in the life of the world. In 1907 she wrote to the Sisters:
Mary MacKillop is with us. Her own experience of life leads us to be in deep communion with her as we celebrate. We remember that Mary herself suffered from ill-health. She is close to all those whose health has been impacted by the COVID-19. She was close to death on a few occasions and found comfort in those who shared these times with her. She writes:
Mary MacKillop also knew the pain of loss and grief in her life. Mary felt deeply the loss of each member of her family. Perhaps her greatest loss was that of her mother Flora who was drowned in a shipwreck off the coast of Eden in New South Wales. At this time, she writes to her brother Donald:
For those who are losing their jobs and finding themselves unemployed, Mary MacKillop also knows what this experience is like. Her father was not able to hold down a permanent job leaving the family constantly on the move and placing extra stress on family life. It was this that caused Mary to find work at Sands and Kenny to support the family.
The opening prayer of the Liturgy for her feast says: “Holy God, source of all goodness, you show us in Mary MacKillop a woman of faith who lived by the power of the cross.” On this feast day let us be mindful that Mary MacKillop stands at the cross with us encouraging us to keep alive the flame of hope, bringing solace to those who have lost loved ones or employment, and comforting those whose lives have been changed for ever through the COVID-19 pandemic. For Mary MacKillop the Cross became the Tree of Life. Walking in and through the Cross she drew strength from the God who loved her. Mary MacKillop embraced the suffering in her life and shows us how to persevere in the face of adversity. We take to heart her message:
On this feast, ‘may we share in her courage, see with her vision, and love with her heart.’
May Mary MacKillop’s deep love for you be your gift this day.
Sr Monica Cavanagh
Congregational Leader
You’re invited to view a video titled ‘Celebrating the feast of Saint Mary MacKillop’ below:
Mass will be live streamed from the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, North Sydney at 10:00am AEST on her feast day (Saturday 8 August 2020). Please find the link provided below:
Feast Day Mass live streamed from Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel
Footnotes:
[1] Lesley O’Brien, Mary MacKillop Unveiled, p. 145
[2] Mary MacKillop 17 June 1886
Media Release: National Vocations Awareness Week
August 2, 2020Drawing on the wisdom of Saint Mary MacKillop through National Vocations Awareness Week (2-9 August 2020).
Each year the Church celebrates National Vocations Awareness Week. This week is dedicated to promoting the various expressions of Christian vocation with a focus on promoting priesthood and consecrated life.
This year, a group of Josephite Sisters and Affiliates have been asked to contribute video content about their Ministries and how they participate in God’s mission today.
“The response has been extremely pleasing, and we are thrilled to showcase the great works of these individuals,” said Kathleen Norman, Communications Manager, Sisters of Saint Joseph. “The first of the content series will be launched on Sunday 2 August in time for the start of National Vocations Awareness Week, and then continue throughout the remainder of this year.”
Drawing from reflection on Saint Mary MacKillop’s experience, Sister Monica added: “My advice to young Australians of faith is – be the voice of the gospel and the face of God in the world today. Be courageous; use your passion and energy to address the critical issues facing the world and church today.”
During these unusual times throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, research shows us there is a new openness to the sharing of faith in 2020. Australians have turned to prayer during the coronavirus with many wanting to spend more time growing their faith once restrictions are lifted.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph believe that Saint Mary MacKillop would offer encouragement during these difficult times. In 1907 she wrote to the Sisters:
Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader, believes strongly that Mary MacKillop is with us:
Saint Mary MacKillop herself wrote about her testing experience of being dangerously unwell:
I was for many weeks dangerously ill, so ill that I nearly died… I was weary of the world and its crosses… The mental conflict had been too much for me.
Please continue reading the Media Release here (PDF)
For more information, please contact:
Kathleen Norman
Communications Manager
Sisters of Saint Joseph
Kathleen.Norman@sosj.org.au
+61 2 8912 2722 +61 438 006 566
Celebrate Mary’s Feast Day with Mary MacKillop Today
July 30, 2020Provided below is a message from Mary MacKillop Today to schools about the feast of Mary MacKillop on 8 August 2020.
Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day is coming up in August.
This year is particularly special because it is the 10 year anniversary since Mary was canonised as Australia’s first Saint. Education was close to Mary’s heart and she knew its power to lift communities out of poverty. This is why Mary MacKillop Today is asking schools across Australia to celebrate Mary’s Feast Day with us and raise funds to help give children in Fiji access to early education!
Throughout August, we’re inviting schools to hold their own fundraising activities and set a target of $1,500 (or more!). That’s enough to give a vulnerable community in Fiji the resources they need to build a safe and effective learning environment for eager children.
Once your school is registered, Mary MacKillop Today will provide resources to help your school promote and run a successful fundraiser.
Click the link below to register for your school’s resources today and celebrate Mary MacKillop’s legacy by helping transform lives with the gift of education:
Mary MacKillop Feast Day fundraising activities
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Madeleine Gough, Mary MacKillop Today’s Community Partnerships Coordinator, directly via email madeleine.gough@marymackilloptoday.org.au or telephone on (02) 8912 2708
Nine Days With Mary MacKillop Novena
July 29, 2020These nine days will offer an opportunity to pray and reflect on scripture, Mary MacKillop and your own lives, all within your own time.
Friday 31 July marks the beginning of our Novena – a time when we can reflect on how the Scriptures, Mary MacKillop’s life and our life intertwine to encourage us in all that we do.
As this Novena is online – you might like to form a group or two to share in this retreat together.
Thank you for praying together as we look forward to celebrating the feast day of Saint Mary MacKillop (Saturday 8 August).
Day One, 31 July: Opening To Our Potter God
- Day One: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day One: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day One: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Two, 1 August: Becoming Good Soil
- Day Two: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Two: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Two: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Three, 2 August: Becoming Light for the World
- Day Three: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Three: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Three: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Four, 3 August: Becoming Salt for the Earth
- Day Four: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Four: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Four: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Five, 4 August: Encountering God
- Day Five: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Five: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Five: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Six, 5 August: Loving Tenderly
- Day Six: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Six: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Six: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Seven, 6 August: Acting Justly
- Day Seven: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Seven: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Seven: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Eight, 7 August: Walking Humbly
- Day Eight: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Eight: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Eight: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
Day Nine, 8 August: Feast Day
- Day Nine: YouTube version (compatible with all devices)
- Day Nine: PDF version (suitable for iPad, Android and PC users)
- Day Nine: PowerPoint version (best suited for those using a PC)
So Small a Beginning: Part 4
July 8, 2020Sr Marie Foale speaks about the beginnings of the Institute of St Joseph for the Catholic education of poor children.
She believes that as a young Josephite growing up, she had a sense that one day Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods had made a spontaneous decision to found an order.
You’re invited to watch the fourth part of Sr Marie’s conference speech, ‘So Small a Beginning’ below…
Part 4