ARCHBISHOP John Bathersby of Brisbane has thrown his support behind a national campaign to raise funds for Blessed Mary MacKillop’s canonisation ceremony in Rome later this year.
The Mary MacKillop Canonisation Appeal will be held next Sunday, May 30, and on her feast day August 8, with donations made through collections in parishes, online and via phone.
Organisers said the appeal “would provide an opportunity for Australians to honour Mary and her lasting legacy”.
Archbishop Bathersby, in supporting the appeal, said in a letter to Brisbane’s religious the archdiocese “had a special affinity” with the Australian saint.
“This was recognised on May 6, 2009, with the celebration of Blessed Mary MacKillop as the patron of the Archdiocese of Brisbane,” Archbishop Bathersby said.
“At the time I stated that ‘Mary’s deep faith, energy, courage, vision and contribution to Catholic education made her a most appropriate patron for the archdiocese’.”
Archbishop Bathersby also noted that “whilst the Sisters of St Joseph are responsible for the considerable costs of organising the canonisation ceremony, financial assistance will also be required”.
“To this end a decision has been taken by the (Australian Catholic) Bishops Conference Plenary to undertake two national parish appeals,” he wrote.
Australian congregational leader of the Sisters of St Joseph Sr Anne Derwin said she had been humbled by the number of people who wanted to take part in the celebrations surrounding Mary’s canonisation.
“We want as many people as possible to take part in the events celebrating Mary’s canonisation,” Sr Derwin said.
“This is an opportunity for us to mark this unique event and historic occasion and to honour Mary MacKillop.
“The Mary MacKillop Canonisation Ap-peal provides an opportunity for everyone to assist in the preparations and celebration of Mary’s canonisation both in Australia and in Rome.”
Donations will assist the Sisters of St Jos-eph in the canonisation ceremony in Rome and help with the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and youth representatives across all dioceses.
Further information on the appeal can be obtained through the national call centre on 1800 753 959 or online at www.marymackillop.org.au
