On the way to sainthood

By Melissa Meehan
THE Pope has visited a Sydney chapel dedicated to the nun who could become Australia’s first saint.
Pope Benedict XVI visited the shrine of the Blessed Mary MacKillop in north Sydney late last week.
Mary MacKillop, born in Victoria in 1842, founded the Sisters of St Joseph in 1866 and died in north Sydney in 1909.
She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in January 1995, but remains one documented miracle away from becoming Australia’s first saint.
Principal of St Joseph’s School in Yarra Junction, Peter Vanstan said the school community was hoping the Pontiff would canonise her to full sainthood.
“Mary MacKillop was the leader of the Sisters of St Joseph. She set up the Josephite order, that established education and health in rural areas,” Mr Vanstan said. “There is still a Josephite nunnery in Warburton located next to the Cerini Centre – the school’s previous grounds.”
Mr Vanstan said that if Mary MacKillop was promoted to sainthood, it would be a very exciting time for the school.
“Especially during our 50th birthday celebrations, it would be fantastic,” Mr Vanstan said.