Mary MacKillop

1842-1909 19th century Feast day: August 8

Doing all you can with what you have, and calmly leaving the rest to God.

Who was Mary MacKillop?

An Australian of Scottish descent, at twenty-four she founded the Sisters of St Joseph with Julian Tenison Woods, to open free schools for poor children of the bush. Excommunicated months after her order helped expose an abusive priest, she went through the ordeal without bitterness and was vindicated. She is Australia's first saint.

In their own words

Believe in the whisperings of God to your own heart.

Letter of 1868, correspondence edited by the Sisters of St Joseph

Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.

Letter of 1891, correspondence edited by the Sisters of St Joseph

Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you in all your life.

Letter of 1909, correspondence edited by the Sisters of St Joseph

We must teach more by example than by word.

Letter of 1867, correspondence edited by the Sisters of St Joseph