Why is Saint Mary MacKillop so important to Australians?

Answer 1

There is no doubt that Mary Mackillop was a saintly person, who was prepared to oppose the Church's hierarchy if she believed she was correct to do so. A member of her order even reported a priest for the crime of paedophilia, resulting in the priest being transferred to Ireland and Mackillop being excommunicated for a time. She worked hard to provide education and health care for the underprivileged, including aborigines.

Mary Mackillop has now been canonised and is known as St Mary of the Cross. For the Catholic Church to recognise someone officially as a saint, it must determine that the person performed at least two miracles, usually after death. While most Australians, and even many Catholics, do not really believe that St Mary performed these miracles, they do recognise her saintly virtues as a person.

Answer 2

Because Australia has no saints and they want one.

Answer 3

Mary Mackilop was the first native born Australian to be canonized as a saint.

Answer 4

On the 5th of september 2096