Syllabus:

• one important person, event or issue in the history of a religion in Australia

Context: 19th Century Australia (Religion, Education and Women’s Roles)

Religion

• Until 1840’s, Church of England was only officially recognised religion of the colonies, but in 1836 Governor Bourke sanctioned the Church Act 1836, which established legal equality for Anglicans, Catholics and Presbyterians and provided funds to support them (Methodists got same support later on)

• Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney was established in 1842 with Archbishop John Bede Polding as the first Catholic archbishop

• Polding wanted to start off fresh and leave the ‘old world’ in the past by uniting his congregation as one people (Australians)

• sectarianism (dispute between Catholics and Protestants) was a feature of life in the colonies, with hostility ongoing between Protestants and Catholics

Education

• many children did not attend school in 1850’s, teachers were untrained and education was not highly regarded (not compulsory)

• was more important for boys to go to school than girls

• Education Act 1872 (Vic) introduced a system of government-run schools that were to be ‘free, secular and compulsory’

• during the 1870s, Mother Mary MacKillop established 40 schools run by the Josephite Congregation across South Australia and Queensland

Mary MacKillop in the history of Australia

Beginnings:

• born and grew up in Victoria, devoted her life to God by serving those in greatest need

• her father wanted to become a priest, but didn’t end up pursuing that vocation. He (Alexander MacKillop) struggled financially after moving to Melbourne, as he lost his house

• Mary Mackillop’s mum (Flora McDonald) was born into a well-educated family in Scotland

• family was firmly grounded in their faith

• Mary, as a teenager had responsibility within the family as a breadwinner

• Mary worked as a clerk at the age of 16

Growth:

• desire Mary had for religious life, combined with her response to the needs of the poor bush children of Penola, resulted in her responding positively to Father Woods’ invitation that she would become the first Sister of St Joseph

• initially started teaching in a stable but found friendship and hospitality

• she was able to positively contribute, which inspired her to do more for her community

Challenges:

• she met with hostilities from members of her own Order, as well as from priests and Bishops who did not fully understand the spirit of her mission

• in 1871, she was briefly excommunicated by the Bishop of Adelaide due to a dispute over the management of the order's finances. This excommunication was lifted a few months later

• Mary MacKillop faced significant opposition and criticism from some members of the Catholic Church and the broader community who were uncomfortable with her unconventional approach to education and her advocacy for the poor.

• she was criticised for her willingness to work with people of different religious backgrounds and her commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of society.

Fulfilment:

• allowed her to put her faith into action and make a tangible difference in the lives of those she served

• she found joy and meaning in her prayer, contemplation, and service to God, which sustained her through the challenges she faced

• she was driven by a desire to bring the transformative power of education and social services to as many people as possible

• Mary MacKillop's resilience in the face of adversity, such as her brief excommunication and ongoing criticism, was a source of personal fulfilment.

• She remained steadfast in her beliefs and mission, and her ability to overcome these challenges strengthened her faith and resolve.

• Mary MacKillop's willingness to take on leadership roles and make influential decisions within the Catholic Church was itself a form of advocacy for women's capabilities

• she challenged the traditional gender norms and hierarchies that often relegated women to marginalised positions

Canonisation:

• MacKillop was beatified (deceased person’s entrance to heaven) on 19 January 1995 by Pope John Paul II

• February 19, 2010, Pope Benedict announced Mary MacKillop as Australia’s first saint

• On 17 October 2010 she was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome (Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop)

Explain the importance of Mary MacKillop’s vocation and contribution to Catholic education in the history of Australia

Mary MacKillop, a strong and influential figure in the 19th century, played an important role in the Catholic education in the history of Australia. Her love for God led her seek to religious life in which she dedicated her life to God at the age of 24 with the name of ‘Mary of the Cross’. Under the guidance of Fr. Tenison Woods, her parish priest in Fitzroy, Melbourne, they established the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, with the aim of educating the underprivileged children. Her humble education began in a stable but gradually spread to other parts of Australia, including the rural/remote areas where Indigenous children were taught. Mary and the Sisters of St. Joseph contributed to the increasing demand of Catholic education in Australia, which once was given to the rich, could now be also experienced by the poor. It is clear, through her dedication and hard work, Mary was a significant contributor to Catholic education in Australia.