Mary Mackillop

A Woman Before Her Time

by William Modystack

Rigby, 1982 [First Edition], ISBN 0727017160, black and white photographic plates, sepia photographic end-papers, hardcover, dust-jacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing to edges and corners, previous owners contact details on facing title page, dust-jacket shows minor edge and shelf wear with a little rubbing to edges and corners, tape residue on front cover and lightly sunned spine (see photographs)

'The name of Mary Mackillop, founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, is well known to thousands of Australians.  the work of the sisterhood in providing education through its convents and schools, and the immense contribution which has been made to social welfare through the establishment of orphanages and homes for the poor, has long been acknowledged throughout Australia and New Zealand as a great example of Christian service.
Less is known about the actual life and character of Mary herself.  In this book the author portrays a shy but determined young girl who experienced a strong sense of religious vocation.  He shows how, under the guidance of Father Julian Tenison Woods, her aspirations to serve God took shape in a definite practical way.  From humble beginnings in a little stable school at Penola, a small country town in South Australia, their dream of a religious Institute devoted to the care of the poor slowly became a reality.  But there were many difficulties to overcome.  Mary's struggles to Rule of the Institute accepted brought about her own excommunication and culminated in a visit to Rome in 1873.  Ultimately she triumphed and in 1875 the First General Chapter was held in Adelaide, the Constitutions were accepted, and Mary elected Superior General."