Despite her dysfunctional family background and countless setbacks over a lifetime, the resilient Mary MacKillop continually made courageous, positive, countercultural and life-giving choices that enabled her and her pioneering Sisters of Saint Joseph to make a huge difference in the lives of countless others. Her legacy lives on! Her story can inspire us! to make significant differences in the lives of others in our small part of the world. Come, spend a few hours in the place where she lived. Breathe in a little of that story! Be inspired! 

Facilitator:  Mary Ryan rsj 

Mary Ryan rsj has ministered in primary and secondary education, parish development, adult and young adult spirituality/retreats, university chaplaincy, and in several leadership roles in both Victoria and NSW. Since she arrived in South Australia in 2013, Mary has co-ordinated the establishment of the Mary MacKillop Precinct, the redevelopment of the Mary MacKillop Museum, and the creation of the Kensington-Norwood Mary MacKillop Walk. She is currently the Assistant Director of Formation for the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry. Aware that Mary MacKillop is a ‘Saint for ALL Australians’ (Max Harris), Mary is keen to work with and support school leaders and staff of all schools to help deepen their understanding of the legacy of Mary MacKillop and her relevance to all school communities today. “Think of Mary MacKillop and learn from her to be a gift of love and compassion for one another, for all Australians, and for the world.” (Pope John Paul II – Sydney, 1995)