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Useful information:
About the Holy See - general information on booking various Vatican tours and tickets for events presided by the Pope
Blessed Mary MacKillop - Australian Catholic Church website on Mary MacKillop
Information on Sisters of St Joseph - link to the Sisters of St Joseph site
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News
On Friday 19 February 2010, the Vatican Consistory confirmed the proposed canonisation of Mary MacKillop with the ceremony to take place in Rome on 17 October 2010.
The Prime Minister’s media release “Australia’s First Saint” , notes that “Mary MacKillop is an extraordinary figure in Australian history; a pioneering woman who dedicated her life to the poor and to advancing the cause of social justice in Australia”.
HE the Hon. Tim Fischer, AC
Australian Ambassador to the Holy See:
“This is a terrific salute to an outstanding Australian, a giant leader in education and many other fields.
“As Minister Stephen Smith has said, there is a great deal of affection and respect for Mary MacKillop. Further, she was a strong leader, a compassionate worker for the poor and a pioneer in education.
“I believe that it will help to boost knowledge of her work and boost Australia’s profile in this busy competitive hub of Rome and way beyond.
“Yes it is a matter internal to the Church but believers and non believers who admire the work of Mary MacKillop will be very happy with this news and will be welcome in Rome, but it will be advisable to register with the Sisters of Saint Joseph (SOSJ) web site.
“Sr Maria Casey and the Sisters of Saint Joseph around the world have a right to be very proud this day”