Footsteps of Mary Mackillop Walk

Today we walked where Mary Mackillop walked in her two years in Rome from 1873. We visited her places of refuge, the churches she used and the significant sites along the way.

There were many surprises, and the first was being able to meet up with Michelle Emmett from Young. 18 year old Michelle has been travelling the globe, alone mainly, and now concludes her travels with this pilgrimage. It was so good to meet with her, walk and talk with her and then have lunch with her. She will be with us for the next few days. Pic with Bishop Mark and Michelle.

The pic above right is the Church of Saint Andrea al Quirinale. Mary frequented here as she was inspired by the young Jesuits, especially St Stanislaus Koska, a 17 year old Jesuit novice who is now entombed here. Pope John Paul 11 used to

do they same.

The Church of St Agata dei Goti (pic left) is another one of her favourite holy haunts. This beautiful church was once attached to the Irish College, which has now moved (see yesterday's Blog). This is where she often met with Monsignor Kirby. He became instrumental in her cause with the Roman clerical hierarchy. Her cause was to get her Rule sanctioned by the Pope.

It took two years and she was an unwell 31 year old Religious woman travelling on her in a foreign land. No wonder she sought the comfort of friends like the Jesuits and several Irish and Australian priests. The Jesuit home Church of Gesu (above right) was also visited and that was followed by a special visit of the Rooms of St Ignatius, who founded the Jesuit Order. (Pic of St Ignatius' place of death with my little Aussie touch. The Jesuits, like the Sisters of St Joseph, are great educators.

I finished my day by receiving a real blessing. This complete stranger came up to me and in the company of an Australian bishop who I went through seminary with, and Michelle, simply looked at me and said: "Thank you Father for becoming a priest". I was speechless and still feel moved. Bless her and all the priests, deacons and seminarians. 

This page is dedicated to Tim and Jono Bear and all those students who just beginning their Higher School Certificates. May your hard work be appropriately rewarded.