This stamp issue recognise the canonisation of Australia’s first saint – Mary MacKillop – on 17 October 2010. After her canonisation, Mary MacKillop will be officially known as Saint Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne to Scottish parents. From an early age Mary had wanted to be a nun.

At just 24 years old she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in South Australia and in so doing she made a commitment to live in poverty and dedicate her life to educating poor children, a task she continued until her death in 1909.

Although talks to have her beatified and canonised began decades ago, it wasn’t until 19 January 1995 that she was formally beatified. In February 2010, Pope Benedict XVI announced that her canonisation ceremony would take place at the Vatican on 17 October 2010. Services across Australia will also celebrate the occasion.

Issue Highlights
Accompanying this stamp issue is a medallion cover featuring three medallions. The medallions depict images of Mary’s first Schoolhouse in Penola, South Australia, Mary with school children and a portrait of Mary

published October 23rd, 2010