Our Saint Mary's Celebration Dinner

Michael MacKillop wearing a MacKillop tartan scarf
presented to him by Archbishop Mark

Last evening we joined 650 Australians at the hotel dining room for a Celebration Dinner. We gathered with joy and pride as we shared the moments of the Canonisation Ceremony that touched us. We were entertained by Gary Pinto of Australian Idol fame, singing his song Saint Mary MacKillop.

We met with pilgrims from around Australia - from Perth, Deniliquin, Cairns and Bishop Michael Putney from Townsville with many companion travelers. Bishop Joe Grech was with pilgrims from his diocese, the Bishop from Dunedin had several fellow companions. Mons Tom Stack – Ellen’s cousin from Dublin – joined us to share the day. The Stack family has made the pilgrimage to honor their aunt, Sister Columbkille, who was recruited into the congregation by Saint Mary herself. Mother Mary of the Cross threw her mantle over her as a sign of acceptance and protection.

Two couples chose to celebrate their significant wedding anniversaries (50^th and 51^st) by attending the Canonisation. What a wonderful way to mark such a special occasion. Our Peter Stephens, from Grenfell, celebrated his birthday along with several others.
It was an assolutamente terrifico end to a magnificent day, bravo!

Herbie and Lynn O'Flynn