In the footsteps of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop: July 2013

Mary MacKillop Place

This well, under the floor of the Tenison Woods Centre, was most probably used by Mary in her time at Alma Cottage. It is encased by a metal frame and thick glass to protect it.

Alma Cottage was Mary's main residence for the last 25 years of her life.

In May 1902, Mary was in New Zealand, when she had a stroke, which affected her right side and hand. In December 1902 she was deemed well enough to return to Australia -North Sydney. She could only manage a few steps with the help of a walking stick. She spent her time at the Mother House and the Orphanage at Gore Hill.

In the late 1880s the two terrace houses came to the Sisters and in 1903 they were extended to create the Convent building as the Sisters required more room.

Mary's walking stick, coin purse and trunk in which she carried all her possessions from place to place across

Australia and overseas to Rome and Scotland.

Look carefully at the walking stick. From what is it made?

What does it say to us about Mary?

Reflect on her travelling trunk.

Think about what she would have carried within it to sustain her for the many months she was travelling on her own.

Mary's rosary worn by her on her trip to Rome and blessed by Pope Pius lX.

The original school building of St Joseph's at North Sydney next to the convent.

From October 1905, Mary was mostly confined to this wheelchair. The wheel chair is now in the Mary MacKillop Museum in Melbourne.

I wonder how Mary felt being confined to a wheelchair?

I wonder how Mary felt being so dependant on others when she had always been fiercely independent?

Mary now spent much of her time in reflection and produced some of her most spiritually inspired writing.

A statue of Mary in her last years with her beloved dog. This statue is in the grounds of the Australian Catholic University around the corner from Mary MacKillop Place.

The dining room in Alma Cottage laid out as it was in the time of Mary. Some of the pieces of furniture are original, others are of the same period.

The desk at which Mary used to write her many letters.

To whom did Mary write?

I wonder why Mary wrote so many letters?

Many of Mary's letters have survived throughout the years.

Why did so many people save her letters?

What do her letters tell us about Mary?

A room laid out similar to Mary's original bedroom in which she spent so much time in the last months when she was very ill, enduring great suffering.

On Tuesday, August 4th, Cardinal Moran was called to Mary's bedside. He read the prayers for the dying and blessed Mary.

Cardinal Moran said to the Sisters"Her death will bring many blessings, not only on yourselves, and on your Congregation, but on the whole Australian Church. I consider this day I have assisted at the death-bed of a saint."

Mary's grave in the chapel at Mount Street - a place of pilgrimage for many.

Mary's funeral Mass was held at St Mary's Church in Ridge Street, North Sydney and she was buried in Gore Hill cemetery. Five years later her body was moved to this Memorial Chapel at Mount Street.

I wonder how her Sisters felt at this time?
I wonder if they felt similar feelings to the disciples when Jesus died?

Mary was a champion of the poor and underprivileged. She provided them with education and social welfare at a time when this was not considered important by those in power.

Mary lived a selfless life, motivated by the needs of others in all that she did.

Gore Hill Cemetery where many of the early Sisters are buried.