Our Patron Saint

Mary MacKillop, the eldest child of Scottish immigrant parents was born in Fitzroy, Melbourne on 15 January, 1842.  Mary, along with her two younger sisters, opened what was to become the first Josephite School in 1866, Penola South Australia.  The school provided Catholic education to the isolated and the poor.  On 15 August, 1867, Mary became the first Sister of Saint Joseph to take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.  Today Mary MacKillop is honoured as Australia’s first saint.  Her life was lived with great faith in God.  She displayed courage and strength to stand up for what she believed was right and fair.  She never wavered from her devotion to the poor and needy.