Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

On 8 August each year, we join with the Catholic family across Australia to celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. St Mary MacKillop holds a special place as Australia’s first saint, and her fearless work to offer education and to advocate for justice serves as a model of living faith for us to follow.

St Mary MacKillop’s feast day is also a time when we turn our hearts towards the ongoing works of MacKillop Family Services, one of our Mercy Ministry Companions. MacKillop Family Services continues the work of their namesake, offering education and support to vulnerable children and families, and following St Mary MacKillop’s adage that we should “never see a need without doing something about it.”

VCE Texts and Traditions: Theology in the city excursion

Last week our VCE Texts and Traditions class spent a day in Melbourne, visiting biblical studies theologians and spending some time exploring significant collections of theological texts. The class were thrilled to spend an hour in conversation with Dr Catherine Playoust, the Deputy Master of Catholic Theological College. Dr Playoust shared stories about her experiences as a professional academic and offered advice and wisdom for our own young scholars. Later in the day the class visited the Dalton McCaughey Library, which houses one of the largest theological collections in Australia. The staff were exceedingly hospitable, offering us a special tour of their rare books collection, and spending time showcasing some of the extensive literature written on the Gospel of Luke. On departure, each student was gifted with a commentary of the Gospel of Luke, which was received in a spirit of warm gratitude. We extend great thanks to the communities at the Catholic Theological College and the Dalton McCaughey Library.