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Mother Mary MacKillop: Australia gets first saint - Vatican

by Paul Conneally | February 19, 2010 at 06:12 am

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Mother Mary Mackillop becomes Australia's First Saint

Last year NowPublic's Maireid Sullivan reported that the Pope had recognized the second miracle performed by Mother Mary Mackillop opening the door for her to become a saint now its official The Vatican announced today.

Mother Mary MacKillop has not always been the Vatican's favourite having been ex-communicated in 1871 before being reprieved just three years later.

To become a saint someone has to have performed two miracles.

Mother Mary has performed two miracles recognised by the Vatican including curing a woman with lung cancer. Setting aside the miracles Mother Mary was recognised for extensive work in the field of education.

Catholics across Australia are now looking forward to formally celebrating her sainthood in October.

The only famous 'saints' from Australia before Mother Mary were original 70s punk rockers 'The Saints'.

Australia's ambassador to the Holy See has welcomed the announcement that Mary MacKillop will become the nation's first Roman Catholic saint on October 17.

Tim Fischer said there was a great deal of affection and respect for Mother Mary, who was a strong leader, compassionate worker for the poor and pioneer in education.

AUSTRALIA finally has its first saint, following the announcement of the canonisation of Mother Mary MacKillop by Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican City last night.

The nun, best remembered for her devotion to educating impoverished children, was confirmed a saint during a meeting chaired by the Pope to consider six candidates for canonisation.

The Vatican said MacKillop, who died in 1909, would be canonised on 17 October.

Her work for the Church was sometimes controversial - and in 1871 she was excommunicated for insubordination.