Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) – Aboriginal culture and traditions will "color" the canonization of Sister Mary Mackillop, scheduled to take place October 17, 2010 at St. Peter's Basilica. As Fides learns from local Church sources, the Australian Aboriginal community will be present in Rome and representatives have been invited to actively participate in the solemn ceremony of canonization.
The Sisters of St. Joseph, the Order founded by the Saint, are preparing the Liturgy for the Mass of the Canonization. Pastoral care, education, and the work of development of Aboriginal communities are one of the fields of ministry in which Sister Mary and her religious followers have become more engaged. In the twentieth century, the Sisters of St. Joseph established schools in Hillston, Walgett, Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Moore, and Kalgoorlie, dedicated largely to the children of Aboriginal communities.
To emphasize the legacy and the commitment of Sister Mary in favor of indigenous communities in Australia, the Sisters have invited Elsie Heiss, historical representative of the Aboriginal communities of Australia and co-founder of the Catholic Aboriginal Ministry (an organization for the pastoral care of the community), to make a contribution to the ceremony to express the traditions and the profound spirituality of the Australian Aboriginal communities. According to information gathered by Fides Agency, the celebration will include typical Aboriginal music and prayers. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2010)
