Australia's First Saint

Mary MacKillop (1842–1909) was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne on January 15 1842. Of Scottish descent, Mary was the eldest of eight children. She was passionate about the church and had an unshakable trust in God. The words "Trust in God" are on her tomb in North Sydney.

With her families fortune waning at the age of 18, she was invited to become her uncle's governess to his ten children in Penola, South Australia. It was here where rural children had little chance of an education. With the help of local priest Father Julian Woods, Mary MacKillop started to teach these children in a school that was free to those families that could not afford an education.

The school was an instant hit, and Mary soon attracted other young women with her enthusiasm and commitment to God's work.

Mary MacKillop went on to found the Sisters of Saint Joseph in August 1867 in an Adelaide chapel. By 1869, the order consisted of 72 sisters in many schools in Adelaide and the surrounding districts. It was the first order founded by an Australian.

In the light of Pope Benedict's visit to Australia, Sister Mary MacKillop is possibly going to become Australia's first and only Saint. Pope John Paul II beatified her during his visit to Australia 13 years ago when the first of two required proven miracles was recognised.

The church is currently investigating a second miracle; if this miracle gets verified, the door will be open for her to be canonised, which some predict will happen during Pope Benedict's visit in July 2008.

Sister Mary MacKillops's bronze statue has been created by Alan Somerville, the artist responsible for many public works in bronze including those on the Anzac Bridge and a stunning bronze of Pope John XXIII in Stanhope Gardens Catholic church.