Pilgrims not tourists

Bishop Michael Putney of Townsville Diocese, Bishop Joe Grech from the Sandhurst Diocese celebrated Mass with and Bishop Brady of Port Pirie in our local church, Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Today, Saturday 16th is the feast day of Margaret Mary of Alocoque of the Sacred Heart.

Bishop Michael related that the date he arrived in Alocoque was the anniversary of the day Mary MacKillop left after her pilgrimage there. She had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and wanted to be named Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart but was given the name Sister Mary of the Cross. She had a great devotion to the Kingship of Christ because of the Cross. He became one of us. He is the head of the body, and we the fullness of Him who fills the whole world.

We are pilgrims not tourists.

Bishop Joe said it was wonderful to be with so many people from all over the world. With our huge family in Christ from every corner of the world we are gathering to honor our first Australian Saint. Australia is such a young country of 200 years and the world is recognising our Mary MacKillop influence not only in Australia but her effect globally.