The Tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
A place of pilgrimage
The Tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is located within the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel and is a significant pilgrimage destination for people from across Australia and around the world.
Pilgrims and visitors are drawn to the Tomb to pray, give thanks, seek comfort and draw inspiration from Saint Mary’s life of faith, courage and service. For many, it is a sacred place of stillness – a space to bring personal intentions, reflect quietly and feel connected to Mary’s enduring spirit.
Mary’s final resting place
Following her death on 8 August 1909, Mary MacKillop was buried at Gore Hill Cemetery in St Leonards, Sydney, alongside many of the early Sisters of Saint Joseph. As increasing numbers of people visited her grave to pray and seek remembrance, plans were made for her remains to be transferred to the newly built Memorial Chapel.
On 28 January 1914, Mary’s remains were reverently transferred from Gore Hill Cemetery to a vault beneath Our Lady’s altar in the newly dedicated Memorial Chapel. The vault was generously donated by Johanna Barr-Smith, a lifelong friend and supporter of Mary.
On 20 December 1993, following extensive conservation and redevelopment works, Mary’s remains were relocated to the Chapel’s original vestry, where her Tomb remains today. The space was carefully designed to provide pilgrims and visitors with a place for prayer, reflection and quiet contemplation.
Since then, the Tomb has become one of Australia’s most important places of Catholic pilgrimage, welcoming people from across the nation and around the world seeking inspiration from the life and legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
A living legacy
For more than a century, people have visited the resting place of Mary MacKillop to pray, give thanks and seek comfort in times of need. Following her beatification in 1995 and canonisation in 2010, the number of pilgrims and visitors continued to grow, affirming the Tomb’s significance as a place of faith, hope and spiritual connection.
Today, the Tomb remains at the heart of Mary MacKillop Place, drawing visitors of all backgrounds who are inspired by Mary’s unwavering trust in God, her commitment to education, and her care for those most in need.
Continue your journey
Deepen your connection with Saint Mary MacKillop through prayer, reflection and story.
Pray with Mary
Museum
Mary’s Story
Your support of the Sisters of Saint Joseph helps us carry forward a legacy of compassion, education, and service at Mary MacKillop Place.
“Believe in the whisperings of God in your own heart.”
MARY MACKILLOP | 1868
