The Basics: Born January 15, 1842, in Australia; died August 8, 1909, in Australia; canonized October 17, 2010, by Pope Benedict XVI; feast day, August 8. Woman religious.
The Story: Australia’s first saint was one of the founders and first mother superior for the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, and established havens for women and schools for children regardless of their ability to pay in some of Australia’s poorest areas.
However, she ran afoul of Church authorities, in particular a bishop who wanted to put each convent under a local priest. As the disputes escalated, the bishop excommunicated Mary. Five months later that action was reversed; still, when Mary went to Rome for approval of the order’s rule, the pope referred to her as “the excommunicated one.” She also was replaced as mother superior of her order at one point, only to be reinstated later. Through it all, she kept her focus on her sisters in the order and on the people they were called to comfort and assist.
St. Mary of the Cross’s Wisdom: “Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them cheerfully, remembering whom you are trying to follow.”
What We Can Learn: Sometimes, doing God’s work requires taking actions that are uncomfortable for us, even within our own faith community. Pray for the courage to do what God desires in a challenging situation you face.
To Learn More About St. Mary of the Cross: The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart have an amazing Web site with much information about the saint’s life and shrine; St. Mary of the Cross also lived in New Zealand for a time, and you can get a look inside her cottage there.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
