Friday, June 25, 2010

Tim Fischer draws attention to Mary MacKillop's 1873 visit to Rome

Australia's Ambassador to the Holy See, former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, has said he hopes Mary MacKillop's extraordinary trip to Rome to see Pope Pius XI in 1873 would serve as inspiration for pilgrims to her canonisation ceremony.

"All of us should recall that in 1873, a thirty-one year old Australian lady battled her way across the high seas, then through Egypt, across the Mediterranean, then Brindisi to Rome to meet with Pope Pius XI," Mr Fischer is reported saying by the Blessed Mary MacKillop website.

"Already she had opened schools at Penola in 1866. She was an extraordinary Australian and an extraordinary spiritual leader, deserving the high level access which led to rulings in favour of the Sisters of Saint Joseph after the various troubles.

"As we walk up the Via della Conciliazione to Saint Peter's, we might think of that one brave lady who travelled on her own and salute her dedication and determination."

Mr Fischer said arrangements for the events being held in Rome to mark Mary's canonisation are coming along well.

"It has been a joy and a privilege to work closely with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, especially Sr Anne Derwin at HQ and Sr Maria Casey in Rome on the Public Diplomacy and coordination aspects of the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.

"The event is shaping well and I have been instructed to ensure that all Governmental aspects go smoothly, as I make the point that the core event is one where the Sisters of Saint Joseph themselves should be up front and centre, so as to speak."

SIC: CTHAUS