The Archdiocese of Brisbane will host some special events of its own to commemorate the Canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop in October. Given Papal permission was granted to adopt Mary MacKillop as the Archdiocesan Patron in May 2009 and the significant periods of time the Josephite founder spent in Brisbane during the establishment of her first schools in Queensland (1870 -1871), these are events that will be celebrated with great joy and gusto.
Amongst the events already anticipated are the following:
• 20 September – 12 October, 2010 –
A series of Regional Gatherings exploring the Spirituality of Mary MacKillop – Woman of Prayer and Action.
The gatherings are preceded by a cuppa and some hospitality from 7.00pm. All gatherings include a welcome, Prayer, Archbishop’s comments and a presentation on the Spirituality of Mary MacKillop by a Josephite Sister.
Six gatherings will take place in Gympie (14 Church St) on September 20; Sippy Downs (58 Sippy Downs Drive) on September 21; Gold Coast (31 Edmund Rice Drive, Ashmore) on September 27; Stafford (70 Appleby Rd) on October 4; Upper Mt Gravatt (4 Klumpp Road) on October 5 and Ipswich (Cnr Elizabeth St and Roseberry Parade) on October 12.
• 8/9 October to 24 October, 2010 –
Archbishop John Bathersby is leading an Archdiocesan
pilgrimage to Rome through Harvest Pilgrimages with
about 200 people currently confirmed.
• 11 – 15 October, 2010 –
Brisbane Catholic Education schools have dedicated this week to celebrating Mary MacKillop with prayer and liturgy. BCEO is acting as the coordinating body.
• 17 October, 2010 –
Celebrations held in the Cathedral precinct from 4.00pm to 8.30pm
These will be based around the chapel dedicated to Blessed Mary MacKillop, with an emphasis on youth. Events will comprise a number of prayer experiences, viewing of a live telecast of the Canonisation ceremony (from 6.00pm) on big screens, music and food stalls. More than 1000 people are expected to be involved.
• 7 November, 2010 –
A Mass of thanksgiving to be celebrated in the Cathedral at 2.30pm followed by afternoon tea.
Released by the Catholic Communications Office – Brisbane
August 27, 2010