How did Mary MacKillop help children?

Answer 1

When and where was Mary born?

Mary MacKillop was an Australian. She was born on 15th January, 1842, in a small home in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, a few hundred yards from where St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, now stands. She was the first of eight children.

What did Mary do in 1866?

On the 15th of March (St. Joseph's feast day) 1866 Mary MacKillop became a co-founder of the sister of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. In late 1865 Father Julian Tenison Woods asked Mary to undertake the teaching of a school which he wanted to open in Penola, South Australia. Mary Accepted and switched her normal clothes for a religious black dress. Mary MacKillop began the congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and as the congregation grew the sisters of Saint Josephs opened more and more schools. Mary MacKillop became well known and lots of people looked up to her.

What kind of family life did Mary have? Alexander MacKillop (Mary's Father) spent all the families money and left his family with nothing, the MacKillop family was poor with a little house and they had to rely on relatives to get by. Mary had 7 younger brothers and sisters. Mary had a difficult childhood because she had to look after and provide for her brothers and sisters. At age 14 Mary left home and got her first job as a clerk in Melbourne, she gave her earnings to her needy family. By the time Mary was 15 she had decided that she wished to be a nun and devote her life to the poor and later became a teacher in Portland.

Why did Mary leave Penola to go to Portland? Mary had a job as a teacher in Penola she stayed there for two years before accepting a job as a teacher in Portland. Later she opened her own boarding school in Portland and taught there. Whilst teaching in Portland she met Father Julian Tenison woods. "From her earliest years, Mary MacKillop was galvanized by the love of the God who impelled her, and by her belief in the value of education as foundational for a full and fulfilling life." - A quote from the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Describe the change that took place in Mary's life in 1866.

Mary MacKillop opened her first school in 1866 which was the beginning of catholic education. Mary gave up her life and devoted it to God. On the 19th of March, Mary put on a black dress and signed off as 'Mary Sister of Saint Joseph' and never looked back. She followed Julian Tension Woods words and also followed her visions and this very same year was when the sisters of Saint Josephs began.

How did Mary and her sisters serve god and others?

Mary and her sisters did not stay in a convent. They were nuns who went out onto the streets to the people and their purpose was to help the poor. They would beg by door knocking homes of people for money for the children. They opened many schools and educated all children wether they could afford it or not. They were also involved with an orphanage, neglected children, girls in danger, the aged poor, and a home for the aged and incredibly ill.

Why is January 8, 1867 an important date?

Mary MacKillop became the first sister and Mother superior of the newly formed order of the sister of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. After this they moved to the new convent in Grote Street Adelaide. Dedicated to the education of the children of the poor, it was the first religious order to be founded by an Australian. By the end of 1869 more than seventy Sisters were educating children at twenty-one schools in Adelaide and the country (Mary MacKillop was making vast progress).

How were the Sisters of St Joseph different from other nuns?

The Sisters of Saint Joseph walked with the people especially the poor. They lived among them, sharing daily life and always giving to the needy. They listened for the cry of the poor and were passionate about their share in Gods mission. Now days The Sisters of St Joseph are a faith community of women, passionate about our share in God's Mission, engaged with the challenges of our reality and with the call to mission in our times.

When and where did Mary die?

Mary MacKillop died on the 8th of August, 1909 in her home in North Sydney. She died at the age of 67, her poor health gave way.

Answer 2

Mary showed her love by educating children for free even if they did or didn't need it

Answer 3

Mary founded schools to educate children of the poor. She also founded an order of sisters to staff the schools she founded.

Answer 4

Mary built schools to teach the npoor children who otherwise would receive no education.