The Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
You’re invited to join us at Mary MacKillop Place as we celebrate the Feast Day
of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Event Information
- Date: Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Location: Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney
- Cost: All events are free
- Welcome: All are welcome
- Gates open: 7:00 am
- Gates close: 7:45 pm
Visitor Information
- Masses: 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm
- Livestream: 10:00 am Mass
- AUSLAN: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm Masses
- Chapel: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Cafe: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Museum: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Welcome
The Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is a special opportunity to gather in prayer, celebration and community, giving thanks for Mary’s life, faith and enduring legacy.
For the Josephite family, this day holds particular significance. It is a time to honour Mary’s deep trust in God, her compassion for those in need, and her commitment to bringing hope through education and service. Her example continues to inspire people across Australia and around the world.
In the Catholic tradition a Feast Day is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the life, faith and legacy of a saint, reflecting on how their values can be lived in our own lives today. As we celebrate together, we are invited to encounter the living spirit of Mary’s mission and to be renewed in our own call to love, serve and walk together in faith.
Plan your day
There is plenty to experience across Mary MacKillop Place throughout the day.
You may wish to attend Mass, pray at Mary’s Tomb, explore the Museum, connect with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, participate in creative activities, visit our exhibition spaces, enjoy a meal with family and friends, or simply spend time reflecting in the peaceful surroundings of the site.
Visitors are welcome to stay for a short time or spend the entire day exploring, reflecting and celebrating the life and legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
What to bring
To help you enjoy your day at Mary MacKillop Place, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities
- A hat and sunscreen, particularly if attending the outdoor Masses or spending time on the grounds
- A water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
- A light jacket or additional layer for cooler morning and evening temperatures
- An umbrella or raincoat if wet weather is forecast
- Your phone or camera if you would like to capture memories of the day
- Any personal items you may require for your comfort and accessibility
Getting here
Private Transport & Parking
There is no on-site parking available during Feast Day. Please also note that no street parking will be available in front of the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel.
Limited street parking may be available in the surrounding residential streets; however, availability cannot be guaranteed due to the large number of visitors attending Feast Day and other events in the North Sydney area.
Visitors who choose to drive are encouraged to allow extra time for parking and walking to Mary MacKillop Place, as available parking may be some distance away. Please check all parking signs and restrictions carefully before leaving your vehicle, as parking conditions vary throughout North Sydney and fines may apply where restrictions are not observed.
Where possible, we encourage visitors to travel by public transport.
Public Transport
Mary MacKillop Place is conveniently located within walking distance of North Sydney Station, Victoria Cross Metro Station, McMahon’s Point Wharf for ferry and rivercat services, and several bus routes.
Visitors travelling by public transport are encouraged to check service updates closer to Feast Day, as planned maintenance and track work may affect some train and Metro services on Saturday 8 August.
Food and refreshments
Mary MacKillop Place Café
- Location: Adjacent to the entrance at 7 Mount Street
- Open: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Offering: Coffee, refreshments, light meals and sweet treats throughout the day.
Anderledy Dining Room Food Hall
- Location: Anderledy, adjacent to Glen Roy Green
- Open: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Offering: Light refreshments and nourishing meal options catering to a range of dietary needs.
Most importantly, come with an open heart, a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to encounter the story and legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop in new ways.
The Feast Day Program
Join us for the online Novena in the lead-up to the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and explore the Masses, activities and celebrations taking place on 8 August, both in person and online.
If you are interested in volunteering at Feast Day, you can express your interest here.
Unable to attend in person?
Join the 10:00 am Feast Day Mass online via livestream on Saturday 8 August, 2026
FAQs
Do I need to register?
No registration is required to attend the Masses and celebrations on the 8th August.
Registration is required if you would like to participate in the Walking with Mary in Hope and Wonder Online Pilgrimage Novena in the lead up to the Feast Day. You can register here
What happens if it rains? (particularly for Glen Roy Green)
A wet weather plan is in place should heavy rain or storms be forecast. If required, satellite spaces will be set up undercover across the grounds, where the Masses will be livestreamed and the Eucharist will be offered.
Unless otherwise advised, all Masses will proceed in their scheduled locations. Our team will continue to monitor weather conditions in the lead up to Feast Day. If any changes to mass locations are required, a decision will be made in the days prior to the event and updates will be shared on this website, our social media channels, and the Sisters of Saint Joseph communication channels.
Is there seating available during Mass?
Yes, seating will be available for all Masses in the Chapel and on Glen Roy Green.
- Chapel: We encourage you to arrive early to secure a seat for the 8:00 am and 6:00 pm Masses where seating is more limited.
- Glen Roy Green: Seating for up to 1,000 people will be available for the 10:00 am and 1:00 pm outdoor Masses.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy on site. The Café and Food Hall will also offer a range of food and refreshments available for purchase throughout the day.
Where can I park?
There is no on-site parking available during Feast Day. Limited street parking may be available in the residential streets surrounding Mary MacKillop Place. We encourage visitors to allow extra time for parking and walking to Mary MacKillop Place, as available parking may be some distance away.
Where possible, we encourage visitors to travel by public transport.
Is the event suitable for non-Catholics?
While this event and the Masses are built around Catholic traditions, it is not for Catholics alone. If you are exploring your own faith or are just interested in learning more about this important figure in Australian history, we invite you to come along.
Can I visit Mary's Tomb outside Mass times?
Yes, the tomb is accessible throughout the day, and visitors are welcome to spend time there in prayer and reflection.
If you visit during the 8:00 am and 6:00 pm Masses – we ask that you be mindful of the solemnity of the celebrations and move around the space quietly and with consideration for others.
Are the Masses accessible?
We are committed to making Feast Day welcoming and accessible for all visitors.
- AUSLAN interpreters will be present at the 10:00 am and 1:00 pm Masses. They will be located to the left of the altar (when seated facing the sanctuary). If you require AUSLAN interpretation, we recommend making your way to that area where seating will be reserved.
- Accessible pathways and lifts are available throughout the site to assist visitors in moving between locations.
- Accessible toilet facilities are located near both the Chapel and outdoor Mass location on Glen Roy Green.
- A livestream option will be available for those unable to attend in person, with AUSLAN interpretation included.
