News
Mary MacKillop Place Open Day
'A National Trust Heritage Festival Event'
Sunday 5 May
10am - 4pm
Visit Mary MacKillop Place and celebrate our
shared heritage. Explore the Museum’s galleries
and discover the Sister of St Joseph’s community
milestones in social welfare and education.
Take a guided tour around the beautiful heritage buildings, including the Memorial Chapel and Alma Cottage (Mary MacKillop’s home from 1884 to 1909).
Find out more about the accommodation and conference facilities.
Follow the Kids’ Trail and relax in the Gift Shop & Café. Enjoy a day with the family!
Mary MacKillop Place Pilgrimage
Sacred Spaces
Thursday 19 July
On a fairly cold and windy day in North Sydney, 25 enthusiastic pilgrims gathered to experience the sacred spaces of Mary MacKillop Place. While most pilgrims who visit take in the Museum and the Chapel with Mary MacKillop’s final resting place, these pilgrims took the opportunity to experiences other sites associated with Mary.
We rugged up and went out onto Mount St to imagine the streetscape in 1884 and the years following. We left behind the bustle of busy workers in towering office blocks and used our imaginations to be with Mary and the early Sisters in the quiet leafy suburb surrounded by paddocks and to note the gradual growth of extensions and new buildings to house the growing group of sisters and novices who lived here.
We then took some time to be in the first Chapel built on the site in the Silver Jubilee year of the founding of the Congregation. Mary prayed in this Chapel and her body placed there when she died and before her Mass and burial at Gore Hill Cemetery. In 1914 her body was moved to the Memorial Chapel and at her tomb to pray for all those in need.
It was a day of deep connection with Mary’ story, with the story of her early companions and with our own life story and a blessed time together.
Sr Monica Barlow
Assistant Director Ministries
Mary MacKillop Place
Vocations Expo
11 - 13 July
Sisters and staff from the Sisters of St Joseph NSW Province Centre and Mary MacKillop Place exhibited at the recent Vocations Expo in Sydney's busy Martin Place from 11 to 13 July.
There were many stallholders from the Catholic community involved throughout the three days. The Expo attracted hundreds of interested people from both Catholic and the wider community.
Click here to read more about the Expo
Mary MacKillop Place Open Day
Sunday 29 April 2012
On Sunday 29 April Mary MacKillop Place held the annual Open Day. This was a wonderful day for the community to discover what Mary MacKillop Place has to offer!
Many people visited the historic Chapel, explored the Museum's new interactive gallery, Anderledy Lodge and the beautiful gardens of Mary MacKillop Place.
Our dedicated volunteer guides ran regular 'Highlights Tours' and our younger visitors had fun in the Kids' Space!
The Gift Shop & Cafe was very busy with people browsing for that special momento or just simply relaxing with coffee and gourmet cakes. Visitors enjoyed a wide selection of international cuisine in the courtyard while lilstening to roving Peruvian musicians.
Portraits of a Saint: A selection of works from the Sisters of St Joseph collection exhibition opening
3 November 2011
The museum's latest exhibition was officially opened on Thursday 3 November by Sr Annette Arnold.
The exhibition celebrates the first anniversary of Mary MacKillop's Canonisation with a diverse and rich collection of artworks depicting St Mary of the Cross. The artworks are on exhibition until 29 February.
Celebrating Irish Heritage in Australia: The story of the Irish Josephite women
17 June - 19 October
Visitors were able to take a journey to Ireland and rediscover the Ireland of the 1870s as Mary MacKillop witnessed when she arrived in Dublin, in June 1874.
Mary toured the schools and convents staying with the Sisters of Charity. Follow her journey on the SS St Osyth bound for Australia with fifteen young Irish girls to the new colony.
| Artist impression of SS St Osyth |
FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE CANONISATION MASS
Unveiling & Blessing of the New Mary MacKillop Statue
17 October 2011
Several hundred visitors took part in celebrations on 17 October at Mary MacKillop Place to celebrate the first anniversary of Mary MacKillop's Canonisation. Bishop Geoffrey Robinson was the celebrant at the outdoor Mass of Thanksgiving on Glen Roy Green.
During the Mass a new statue of Mary MacKillop, created by sculptor Judith Rolevink, was officially unveiled and blessed by Bishop Robinson in front of the Chapel. This part of the celebration was televised to a giant screen on Glen Roy Green for the congregation.
MARY MACKILLOP - A MUSICAL TRIBUTE
16 October 2011
Guests enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of classical, popular and sacred music in the Isabel Menton Theatre on Sunday 16 October. This musical event was presented by The Chapel Musicians both vocal and instrumental.
FIRESIDE READING SERIES
Guests enjoyed three evenings of stimulating discussion and inspirational readings. The three part winter series was presented by guest speakers in the comfort of Alma Cottage, the historic home of Mary MacKillop |
Evening 1
Guest Speaker - Elsie Heiss
Tuesday 7 June
Elsie is currently Co Coordinator of the Aboriginal Catholic Church & Ministry at La Perouse, in Sydney. Elsie's work includes talks and workshops throughout the metropolitan area of Sydney and country NSW on Aboriginal Spirituality, Stolen Generation, Reconciliation and justice for Aboriginal people.
She also educates many school students who visit the Reconciliation Church to learn about these issues. In 1998 she was the only Aboriginal representative at the Synod of Oceania in Rome.
Elsie is a highly respected Elder and in 2003 she was awarded the NAIDOC Community Award for her work within the church and with health programs in the community.
Evening 2
Guest Speaker - Anna Dimo
Tuesday 26 July
Anna Dimo arrived in Australia from the Sudan as a legal immigrant, with five children and another three chidlren of her relatives. These children had lost their parents. Her story is one of great pain and suffering.
The Catholic Church and Josephite Community Aid have provided assistance in the early days of her arrival. She is now working in pastoral care for the Sudanese Australian Catholic Community in Sydney.
Evening 3
Guest Speaker - Sharon Gillhooley
Tuesday 9 August
Sharon is a teacher and an engaging public speaker at St Scholastica’s College, in Glebe Point New South Wales. Her passion and interest in early social history has led to her more recent research on the role of Catholic religious orders working for those in need in The Rocks area, and more directly the role of St Brigid’s (formally St Bridget’s) Church School.
The school was operated by the Sisters of St Joseph (1884-1898), and was then entrusted to the Sisters of Mercy in the late 1800s. The Sisters had a mission to provide a dignified life for all children.
Sharon’s talk provided personal stories and accounts from relatvies who were resident in The Rocks area and who attended the school in the 1930s.
Celebrating Irish Heritage in Australia: The story of the Irish Josephite women
Exhibition Opening
16 June 2011
The Museum's latest exhibition, curated by Edwina Huntley, was officially opened by Bishop David Cremin on Thursday 16 June. This was a wonderful evening that celebrated those young Irish women who journeyed with Mary MacKillop on their voyage to Australia and become Sisters of St Joseph. Guests included some of the current Irish Sisters as well as many other friends who are part of the Josephite community. Sr Rosemary Mitchell's Irish dancers helped to make the evening a true celebration of Irish culture.
Mary MacKillop Place Open Day
1 May 2011
'Dr James Linklater Thomas Isbister: A life of service ot the community - stories from the desk of Mary's MacKilllop's physician.
Exhibition Opening
7 April 2011
Decendents of Dr Isbister joined the Sisters and staff at Mary MacKillop Place to celebrate the opening of this special exhibition.
The exhibition was on display in the Museum's Reading Room from 2 April to 16 May 2011.
Canonisation Celebrations
17 October 2010
Mary MacKillop Place was a sea of pilgrims as thousands arrived for each of the masses to celebrate the canonisation of Mary MacKillop. Read more...
Museum School Holiday Program
The Museum ran a School Holiday Program during the second week of the October holidays for primary school-aged students.
We enjoyed a variety of activities which included taking a museum tour, exploring interactive computer activities, investigating old items from the travelling trunk and creating art and craft activities.
'Reaching the People: Mary MacKillop in Sydney Cove'
Exhibition Opening
27 August 2010
'Reaching the People: Mary MacKillop in Sydney Cove' exhibition was officially opened by the Honorable Tom Uren on the evening of 27 August. The exhibition is currently on display in the Old School House until 26 September. Read more...
Fireside Reading Series at Alma Cottage
17 August 2010
The Honorable Tom Uren presented the Museum's final Fireside Reading in Alma Cottage on 17 August in Alma Cottage, Mary MacKillop's home in Sydney.
Guests enjoyed listening to some of Mary's letters and Tom's personal reflections.
Feast Day Celebrations
8 August 2010
Record crowds of pilgrims visited the tomb of Blessed Mary MacKillop at North Sydney on her traditional Feast Day of August 8, with thousands of people coming to pay their respects to the woman who will become Australia’s first Saint later this year. Read more...
Fireside Reading Series at Alma Cottage
13 July 2010
Geraldine Doogue AO presented the Museum's second of three Fireside Readings in Alma Cottage on 13 July. Guests had the opportunity to listen to several specially selected letters written by Mary MacKillop. The theme of the evening was 'Mary's response to God in service.'
Guests also enjoyed wine and canapes in Anderledy Lodge before and after the reading.
Eminent Australians Grant Announcement
30 June 2010
The Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, the Hon. Peter Garrett MP, came to Mary MacKillop Place on 30 June 2010 to announce Australian Government funding to conserve the memorials of seven eminent Australians. Included in the list of eminent Australians was Mary MacKillop. Read more...
Fireside Reading Series at Alma Cottage
8 June 2010
Caroline Jones AO presented the Museum's first of three Fireside Readings in Alma Cottage on 8 June. Guests were able to listen to several specially selected letters written by Mary MacKillop to her family. The theme of the evening was 'Mary's spirituality and the influence of family.'
Guests also enjoyed wine and canapes in the courtyard before and after the reading.
Open Day & Arts Market on the Green
18 April 2010
Everyone enjoyed a glorious warm autumn day for the annual Mary MacKillop Place Open Day on Sunday 18 April. Visitors from far and wide explored the Museum which displays the Sisters of St Joseph's Collection and the temporary exhibition of Western Australian artists: Stories of the Dreaming - The Ringer Soak Community of the East Kimberley.
Of course, a visit to the beautiful Chapel built in Mary's honour was a highlight for many of our visitors. People were also able to enter historic Alma Cottage and catch a short talk on Mary's life in North Sydney.
Our younger visitors had fun in the Kid's Space where they played games and created some artworks. Our roaming Peruvian musicians and gramophone music from a bygone era helped to provide real atmosphere.
Visitors also browsed around the Arts Market and enjoyed the delicious barbeque menu and Devonshire Teas.
Towards Canonisation News
For more information about Mary MacKillop's Canonisation announcement and celebrations in Rome please visit the Sisters of St Joseph's website.
Wisdom Series Exhibition by Richard Campbell
Opening Night
8 December 2009
On Tuesday 8 December Friends of Mary MacKillop Place, Sisters and staff gathered for an enjoyable evening to celebrate the opening of the Wisdom Series exhibition. The artist, Richard Campbell, gave an informative talk on the symbolism behind his artwork. The exhibition will be on display to the public in the Museum from 9 December 2009 to 31 January 2010.
Peruvian Regional Textiles Exhibition:
Showcasing a diversity of motifs and techniques
7 - 27 November 2009
As series of Peruvian regional textiles were on exhibition in the Museum's Reading Room from 7 to 27 November.
