pathways, March 2009
The Sisters of St Joseph have offered the canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop as a gift to be shared by all Religious in Australia.
Congregational Leader Anne Derwin RSJ told the February meeting of the CRA National Council that as part of their considerations about how to celebrate the canonisation, the Sisters were pondering on how to celebrate the occasion as a gift of religious life.
While there was no conclusion in sight to the official processes, she said, Mary's canonisation was picking up speed in Rome and some initial preparations for the celebrations were beginning.
"We are struggling with some significant issues," Sr Anne said. "How can we enable the Church and the world to appreciate and celebrate the canonisation as a gift of the Spirit to us all?
"How can we embrace all of Mary's people in a spirit of hospitality and inclusivity?
"How might we celebrate the gift of religious life to the Church and the world at this time? How might religious congregations in Australia be involved?"
Although it was not known how long the cause would continue, Sr Anne said that people who had experience in such matters had been encouraged by the way things were moving in Rome.
Postulator Sr Maria Casey RSJ is in Rome. A second miracle is under investigation by doctors and theologians.
Sr Anne said that one of the appeals that 'saints' had for today's people was that they are ordinary people who had looked at life and, in the day to day circumstances in which they lived, succeeded in becoming a special person who touched into the deepest yearnings of the heart.
"Mary MacKillop was no exception," she said.
"She was an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life. She was a woman who dared to love. She knew that God loved her and she responded to this love with confidence and courage.
"Mary MacKillop's life speaks eloquently because it was firmly anchored in something every human heart longs for: inner peace, that peace that comes from knowing that one is loved by God and from the desire to respond to God's love.
"Our hope for the people of the world is that they will continue to embrace Mary MacKillop as a young woman who has gifted the church, Australia and the world with a deep sense of compassion and dignity - a truly great witness to living the Gospel in this Great South Land of the Holy Spirit," Sr Anne said.
CRA President Sister Clare Condon SGS thanked the Sisters of St Joseph for their generous approach to canonisation celebrations and encouraged all religious to respond to the initiatives with enthusiasm.
canonisation journey ...
1909
From the time of her death and in the years following Mary MacKillop was treated as though she were a saint, with requests for relics, prayers and favours being made from all over Australia and beyond.
1925
Mother Laurence O'Brien began preliminary discussions with the Apostolic Delegate, Monsignor Cattaneo about the introduction of her Cause for Canonisation Commission of Enquiry authorised by Archbishop Kelly.
1925
Beginning of Diocesan Phase - Diocesan postulator appointed to inquire into cause. Initial inquiry on Mary's life and sanctity authorised by Archbishop Kelly. Mary was now titled Servant of God.
1952
A study of Mary's life and writings resulted in the issue of the Nihil Obstat declaring that no reason existed why the Cause for Mary's canonisation should not continue.
1954
Decree Super Scriptis was issued declaring that Mary's writings were approved as being those of a person of holiness.
1959
Beginning of Roman Phase - Formal inquiry on Mary's virtues. Process opened in Sydney to gain evidence from those still alive who knew Mary MacKillop. Continued in Adelaide and Brisbane. Report sent to Rome.
1970
Pope Paul VI visited the Mary MacKillop Chapel and prayed at the tomb.
1973
Announcement that Mary's Cause for Beatification could be introduced.
1986
Pope John Paul II visited the Chapel and prayed at Mary's tomb.
1989
Positio - the official record of Mary's life was completed and sent to Rome.
Positio considered by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Mary was given the title Venerable Mary MacKillop.
Diocesan inquiry on a possible miracle required for Beatification. Report submitted to Rome and approved. Decree for Beatification was issued by Pope John Paul II
1995
Mary MacKillop was beatified in Sydney by Pope John Paul II who visited the chapel and prayed at Mary's tomb.
1995 - 2008
Increasing evidence of devotion across Australia and the world and many favours were attributed to the intercession of Mary MacKillop. Several dossiers of evidence were taken to Rome.
2008
Diocesan enquiry conducted into the miracle required for canonisation. Evidence taken to Rome where it is currently being examined by panels of doctors.
Sr Maria Casey appointed Postulator.
Evidence to be examined by theologians.
Pope Benedict visited the chapel and prayed at Mary's tomb.
2009
Final steps in the process of examination.
In God's good time
Possible announcement of Mary's canonisation.
August 8, 2009, marks the 100th anniversary of Mary MacKillop's death in North Sydney.
Celebrations are being planned in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Peru, Brazil and East Timor.
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