(1842 – 1909)

“God gives me strength for what is necessary” Feast Day August 8

Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, was a servant of the poor and uneducated, the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph.  Beatified by Pope John Paul II in Sydney in 1995, the city housing her shrine in the suburb of North Sydney, Mary MacKillop established an incredible legacy with her generosity and determination to respond to every need with Christ’s charity across the continent of Australia.  The shrine was the first place visited by the WYD Cross and Icon after they arrived in Australia, and will be the point of departure for the Pilgrimage Walk to Southern Cross Precinct for the Evening Vigil and Final Mass with the Pope.  

Most loving God,

We thank you for the example of Blessed Mary MacKillop,

Who in her living of the Gospel witnessed the

human dignity of each person.

She faced challenges with faith and courage.

We pray through her intercession for our needs...

(Make your request.)

May her holines soon be acknowledged by the universal Church.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world and will be held in Sydney from Tuesday 15 to Sunday 20 July 2008.

Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith on a more regular basis.

WYD08 will be the largest event Australia has ever hosted. It will attract over 125,000 international visitors - more than the 2000 Olympics.

WYD08 will mark the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

Through the WYD08 experience, young people from throughout the world will make a pilgrimage in faith, meet, and experience the love of God.

World Youth Day is an invitation from the Pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.