The life and legacy of Blessed Mary MacKillop was honoured last Sunday (November 8) at a concert presentation in Brisbane City Hall among dignitaries, religious, families and special guests numbering 1500.
Various Josephite schools were involved in collaboration with the Sisters of St Joseph, and students and staff of the Australian Catholic University (ACU), Banyo.
Queensland Josephite provincial Sr Moya Campbell said the afternoon event “inspired so many”.
“It was so stirring to see so many of our young people honouring this great woman through their singing, dancing, drama and music,” Sr Campbell said.
“So many people working together produced an afternoon’s entertainment that was professional, stirring, thought-provoking and enjoyable.”
Event co-director Andrew Beiers, of ACU, described the opportunity as an “incredibly moving experience to be a part of”.
“It was a tribute to our partnership between Australian Catholic University and the Sisters of St Joseph and the legacy of Mary MacKillop,” he said.
“An elderly lady was in tears as she told of how she related to the experience and struggle of Mary MacKillop as she recalled their family moving to Australia from Scotland many years ago.”
Mr Beiers praised the efforts of all involved, particularly ACU’s drama specialist Dr Tracey Sanders “for her beautifully crafted script and dramatical presentation” and various others including the Sisters of St Joseph “for their insights, conviction, faith and belief”.
“Mary MacKillop’s spirit and legacy is alive and well,” Mr Beiers said.
Dignitaries present included Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, Auxiliary Bishops Brian Finnigan and Joseph Oudeman, Deputy Premier Paul Lucas and State Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek.
Archbishop Bathersby said the event was a “special occasion to celebrate the life and spirit of Mary MacKillop”.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recorded a video message viewed during the afternoon while poet Rupert McCall was part of the presentation itself.
Various dignitaries, including Mr Rudd, were given or allocated a T-shirt displaying Blessed Mary MacKillop.
The Sisters of St Joseph present were invited to stand during the event for the singing of “Penola’s Plains”, a hymn of tribute to Blessed Mary MacKillop and her legacy.
Many of the sisters were visibly moved by the accolade.
ACU director of Identity and Mission Steve Lawrence said the concert was “a Gospel of beauty”, adding, “The way the various elements of drama, multi-media, songs and music, presentation and testimonies were woven together was marvellous.”
The “Mary MacKillop 100 Concert” marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Blessed Mary MacKillop who co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph and who is on the way to becoming Australia’s first saint.
About 250 people were involved in the presentation of the concert and behind the scenes.
