Australia first saint, Mary MacKillop

Alexa · 10-01-2010, 03:24 PM

"Mackillop was born in Melbourne in 1842. Her parents had emigrated from Scotland, her father after leaving a seminary where he was studying for the priesthood. Mary worked as a teacher, but became increasingly aware of the need to provide better education across Australia – and in 1867, with this as its raison d'etre, she founded her order.The order went from strength to strength, attracting new recruits until her excommunication in 1871. She had to endure exile from the church (during which time she wasn't even allowed to wear her habit) for several months before being readmitted, and allowed to continue her work. And it was not until 2009, 100 years after her death, that Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide made a public apology for her wrongful punishment.'

For those interested, see entire article on:
Australia's whistleblowing nun | Life and style | The Guardian

Alexa · 10-17-2010, 10:41 PM

[quote]Brother André Bessette, the humble Canadian monk credited with healing thousands of sick, has been recognized as a saint during ceremonies at the Vatican.
The Montrealer and five others — including a nun is who now Australia's first saint — were canonized by Pope Benedict XVI at St. Peter's Square on Sunday. [quote]

Read more: CBC News - Canada - Montreal's Brother André now a saint

More than 5 000 Canadian went to Rome to assist at the ceremony. Other thousands celebrated in Montreal's Saint Joseph's Oratory and this is not finished. In about two weeks another festivity will be presented at the Stadium.

Brother Andrew founded St Joseph's Oratory in 1904, but he didn't live to see it finished.

The monk is the first saint born in modern day of Canada and people remember him well as their grandparents met him.

For the Catholic church this is a huge event. The Catholic religion lost its strenght in Québec because of the behaviour of some of his prists and nuns.

Its amazing how a simple monk (he was the doorman at Notre Dame College in Montreal for fory years) could get today so many people to celebrate him.

I'm curious to know who were the other four saints celebrated at Rome today. Besides Australia's first saint, our channels didn't mention their names.