Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop). August 8th. EPISODE:244

Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th. (EPISODE: 244 )

Homily Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th.

 

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a friend of mine who I have known for the longest time. Paul Giacomantonio, (8th October 1968- 6th August 2020 - the feast of the Transfiguration).  May he rest in the peace of Christ forever.   

As Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop once wrote: 

"Remember we are all but travellers here."

 

 

 

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm: Ps 62:1-8. "My soul clings to you; your right-hand holds me fast."
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 27:55
Gospel: Matthew 6:25-34

Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo ID: 1343087762.  Sydney NSW Australia: Statue of Saint Mary of the Cross an Australian canonised nun outside of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney NSW Australia. By Keitma

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass (readings, prayers and reflections) for the Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th.by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-solemnity-of-mary-of-the-cross-mackillop-australia-and-new-zealand-2020/s-ihguiOQ8dXT    

(EPISODE: 244 )
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 Prologue: In Australia(solemnity) and New Zealand (feast Day) ... St Mary of the Cross,  Mary of the Cross is a national Patron and also Patron of the Brisbane Archdiocese here).

Mary Helen Mackillop, was born in Melbourne (Australia) in 15^th January, 1842. And entered eternal life in Sydney on this day (8^th August) in 1909. Mary took the religious name "Mary of the Cross."  Mary responded to the isolation of colonial families by pioneering a new form of religious life to provide education for their children. She and her sisters shared the life of the poor and the itinerant, offering special care to destitute women and children. Remembered for her eagerness to discover God's will in all things, for her charity in the face of calumny, and for her abiding trust in God's providence. [ having been born in Melbourne, I am sure Saint Mary Mackillop will be interceding for us here in Australia, particularly Victoria, and the whole world as it undergoes great trials with the covid-pandemic).
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Some wonderful quotes from the Life of Saint Mary of the Cross, Mackillop, give us a superb taste of her spirituality and faith:

"Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can."

And this quote: 
"Find happiness in making others happy."

And this:
"We must teach more by example than by word."

"Let us all resign ourselves into His hands, and pray that in all things He may guide us to do His Holy Will ... When thoughts of this or that come; -  I turn to Him and say: "Only what you will, my God. Use me as You will".

"Be eager in your desires but humbly patient in their accomplishment."

"Remember we are all but travellers here."

"never see a need without doing something about it"

"Pray to be ever ready for God's will, even when it takes you by surprise."    1880

"Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God."    1891

"Try to at least excuse what you cannot understand."   1877

And my absolute favourite quote from her:
"Many things that seemed unaccountable worries have proved indeed to be hidden blessings."  – 1870   (in this time of pandemic, these words ring even truer this year than previous years). 
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For most people… it is easy to be gracious when everything is going well….  When people speak well of us and treat us nicely….     And everything is going our way….   Flowing according to plan……..But it takes a saint to be gracious in times of intense difficulty…… when everything seems to be going wrong.   
 
Jesus is the model for all saints…  and a saint is so named because they allow the person and message (and qualities) of Jesus to shine through their lives and find a home in their actions and attitudes…..
 
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is a wonderful example of that…  It is an absolute miracle of God's grace that such a wonderful woman has been canonized by the church so that Mary MacKillop's life might be an inspiration to Christian discipleship everywhere.
 
It is utterly amazing that someone who was once excommunicated by the church, (albeit unjustly and wrongly – the judgement being reversed by the bishop who proclaimed it, and who repented of his mistake on his deathbed)   would  be proclaimed a saint, …   whose praises are sung throughout the world…….   But it is this 'grace under fire'   this gracious reflecting of God's love and faithfulness and justice, even in the face of lies and condemnation, that show the qualities that Jesus speaks of in the beatitudes…
 
Saint Mary MacKillop's life is also an example of complete trust in God's providence….   But this is not some kind of helpless waiting around and doing nothing …  but, rather Saint of the Cross (MacKillop) knew that God's providence was revealed through the love and care of human beings… So, Mary became famous for her attitude (and actions)summed up in that saying. I quoted earlier: "never see a need without doing something to help." 

Mary saw a need for education, for shelter and for support of those most in need; namely poor children, and destitute men and women.. and so set up schools and shelters for people in need….
 
We can all make a difference  by responding to the needs around us and believing that we can make a difference, with God's grace and providence. ….
 
May Our Lord inspire us to be people of care, compassion, graciousness and love (in season and out of season) – to respond to the setbacks and acts of malice in the world the loving way Mary Mackillop did, with compassion and perseverance, and may we also continue to be people of practical action, making a difference to those most in need..
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo ID: 1343087762.  Sydney NSW Australia : Statue of Saint Mary of the Cross an Australian canonised nun outside of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney NSW Australia. By Keitma
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Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th
(EPISODE: 244)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.

 

Lord Jesus, you are GOD WHO GIVES GENEROUSLY TO ALL. LORD, HAVE MERCY

 

You are our HELPER in time of need. CHRIST, HAVE MERCY.

 

You ARE FAITHFUL TO YOUR PEOPLE TO THE END OF TIME. LORD, HAVE MERCY.

 

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Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation

2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

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preface of Saints I

EUCH PRAYER  II

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{Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

 

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
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Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers. 

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray," by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria, Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

 

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement Stefan Kelk 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Tricia J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

KER 2020

May God bless and keep you.