BRISBANE archdiocese has greeted the news of the canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop in October by planning a number of events both here and in Rome.
Archdiocesan moderator Fr Peter Meneely has the task of forming a committee to determine the final shape celebrations will take.
He has already begun consultation with Sisters of St Joseph Queensland provincial Sr Moya Campbell and representatives from Brisbane Catholic Education, Australian Catholic University and other archdiocesan bodies.
Plans under development include encouraging parish celebrations on Blessed Mary MacKillop’s feast day (August 8); a series of cluster gatherings for young people around the archdiocese in the week leading up to the canonisation (similar to WYD Cross and Icon gatherings); a simulcast of the canonisation in Rome being shown on big-screen TVs in the St Stephen’s Cathedral precinct (October 17) and a special archdiocesan Mass being celebrated at the cathedral on a date in November to be confirmed.
“As Blessed Mary MacKillop was named by the Holy Father as the patron of the archdiocese during the sesquicentenary celebrations (last year), it naturally follows that there will be special celebrations to both focus on her canonisation as well as honour the enormous contribution of the Sisters of St Joseph to the education and faith of young people throughout the archdiocese and Queensland,” Fr Meneely said.
“This year her feast day falls on a Sunday and so special assistance will be provided to parishes to be able to celebrate the feast day and Mary’s patronage of the archdiocese.
“As well, on the day of the canonisation it is planned to set up big TV screens in the cathedral precinct so that members of the archdiocesan Church can gather in prayer vigil and celebration to watch a televising of the canonisation direct from Rome.”
In other major news, Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane has confirmed he will lead an archdiocesan pilgrimage heading to Rome for the canonisation.
The pilgrimage is scheduled to leave Australia on October 9 and will include opportunities for prayer and sacramental celebrations in Venice, Padua and Assisi, as well as a number of celebrations taking place in Rome around the canonisation.
Fr Meneely said the archbishop had developed his own special devotion to Blessed Mary MacKillop, ever since celebrating a Mass in her honour in the small convent hut where she acted as housekeeper for her sisters in the later years of her life, beside Arrowtown church in New Zealand.
“Given her contribution to the early life of the Church in Brisbane, the importance of the Sisters of St Joseph to the life and vitality of the faith in Queensland, and because she is the patron of the archdiocese the Archbishop feels it is important that he leads a pilgrimage,” Fr Meneely said.
Anyone who wants to participate in the archdiocesan pilgrimage can contact Harvest Pilgrimages directly on 1300 467 663 and ask for the group supervisor Patricia Gonzalez.
