Mary MacKillop’s life was marked by courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to responding to human needs. From her early years growing up in Melbourne, facing financial hardship and family responsibility, she learned resilience, practical care, and the importance of supporting those often overlooked. These formative experiences shaped the values she carried throughout her life: a dedication to education, a focus on community, and a belief that every person is worthy of dignity and care.
Together with Father Julian Tenison Woods, Mary co-founded the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866. Their mission was simple yet profound: to serve communities in practical, meaningful ways, guided by love, inclusion, and trust in God’s providence. These principles of seeing God in everyday life, walking alongside people in need, and acting with humility and courage became the foundation of Mary MacKillop’s spirituality.
The Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry (MMSM) carries forward this ethos. Inspired by the Gospel and the lived experience of Mary MacKillop, the ministry invites all to encounter the sacred at the heart of everyday life. This means approaching each encounter, each program, and each interaction with the same values Mary modelled: attentiveness to others, openness, humility, and practical compassion.
Through the life of MMSM, Mary’s spirituality is not only remembered but lived. Whether in reflection, prayer, or shared community experiences, the ministry embodies her commitment to care, connection, and the sacred in ordinary life. Her legacy continues to guide how we listen, respond, and journey with those who seek meaning and spiritual growth, ensuring that the heart of Mary’s ethos remains present in all we do.
Mary MacKillop’s life and legacy continue to inspire Australians more than a century after her death. Canonised in 2010 as Australia’s first saint, her work and values endure not only in the Sisters of Saint Joseph but also in the living mission of MMSM, where her spirit of courage, resilience, and compassionate service continues to guide and enrich the lives of all who encounter it.
Learn more about Mary MacKillop