St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop's witness in living an authentic Christian life in the parish is an inspiration to all believers. Her life exemplified key virtues that are essential in living a genuine and faithful Christian life:
1. Humility: St. Mary MacKillop demonstrated remarkable humility in her service to God and others. Despite facing challenges and opposition, she remained steadfast in her mission to educate and care for the poor, always placing the needs of others above her own.
2. Love and Compassion: Her love for God and her fellow human beings was at the core of all her actions. She showed immense compassion to those in need, tirelessly working to provide education and support to the less fortunate, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas.
3. Trust in Divine Providence: St. Mary MacKillop's life was marked by a deep trust in God's providence. She faced various difficulties in establishing schools and caring for the poor, but she relied on God's guidance and believed that He would provide for their needs.
4. Faithfulness to God's Will: Throughout her life, she sought to discern and follow God's will. Her faithfulness to the call to educate and uplift the marginalized revealed her unwavering commitment to doing God's work on earth.
5. Service to Others: St. Mary MacKillop lived a life of selfless service to her community, tirelessly dedicating herself to the education and well-being of those entrusted to her care. She saw the face of Christ in the poor and marginalized, and her actions were a testament to the Gospel message of loving one's neighbor as oneself.
6. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: St. Mary MacKillop faced difficulties and challenges within the Church, but she held no grudges and embraced a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. She demonstrated that forgiveness is a powerful act of love and healing.
In the parish, St. Mary MacKillop's example calls us to live out our Christian faith authentically. Her witness challenges us to embrace humility, love, and compassion in our relationships with others. She encourages us to trust in God's providence and remain faithful to His will, even in the face of challenges.
Her life of service reminds us to be attentive to the needs of the marginalized and to reach out with acts of kindness and support. St. Mary MacKillop's unwavering commitment to the Gospel message calls us to be true disciples of Christ, witnessing to His love and mercy in our parish and beyond.
As we look to her as a role model, may we strive to imitate her virtues and allow her witness to inspire us to live authentic Christian lives in our parish communities.
Fr Roger Delmonte