SA:MacKillop to inspire SA at Xmas: church

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2010
SA:MacKillop to inspire SA at Xmas: church

ADELAIDE, Dec 23 AAP - Catholic churches are expecting good Christmas mass crowds following
the canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross.

Mary MacKillop was recognised as a saint in October in Rome and at ceremonies around
the world, including at the town of Penola in SA's south-east where she founded the Sisters
of St Joseph in 1866.

Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson says Catholic churches are expecting
well attended Christmas masses following the canonisation as people pray for those less
fortunate.

Saint Mary, who began teaching children in a stable in Penola, was cause for great
hope and joy for all South Australians this Christmas, he said in a statement on Thursday.

"Mary's love for God and her capacity to never see a need without doing something about
it is a wonderful inspiration for us as we reflect at Christmas time on how we can live
our lives better," he said.

"It's also a time to pray for and support those people less fortunate than us, particularly
those suffering from violence and persecution as well as those fleeing their countries
at great risk to them and their families.

"The tragic drowning of asylum seekers off Christmas Island highlights the lengths
people are prepared to go to in search of freedom and safety."

AAP lk/mm

KEYWORD: XMAS MARY

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