Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop was an Australian religious sister who became the first Australian beatified and declared a saint by the Catholic Church, known as St Mary of the Cross.

Religious Leader

January 15, 1842

August 08, 1909

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St. Mary MacKillop, also referred to as St. Mary of the Cross, was an Australian nun and social reformer who devoted her life to assisting those in need. Born in Melbourne in 1842 to Scottish immigrant parents, she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and worked relentlessly to offer education and support to marginalized communities. In 2010, she made history as Australia’s first saint, declared by the Catholic Church. Her notable accomplishments include the establishment of the Sisters of St Joseph, her dedication to social justice, and her enduring influence as a role model for contemporary Australians.