MacKillop an 'inspiration', says PM

20 Feb 2010, 10:37 am   -   Source: AAP
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The sainthood of Mary MacKillop is "deeply significant" and "an inspiration" for all Australians, says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The sainthood of Mary MacKillop is "deeply significant" and "an inspiration" for all Australians, whether or not they are Catholic, says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Mr Rudd on Saturday described Australia's first saint as "an extraordinary figure in Australian history".

He said she was a pioneering woman who dedicated her life to working for the "homeless, the destitute and the marginalised".

"In a time when many children grew up in poverty and had little chance of gaining access to a decent education, Mary MacKillop changed the course of many young Australians lives," Mr Rudd said in a statement.

MacKillop was "an inspiration" to all Australians, regardless of their faith.

"This is a deeply significant announcement for the five million Australians of Catholic faith, and for all Australians whether of Catholic faith or not," Mr Rudd said.

"Mary MacKillop's story is a great inspiration ... and all Australians can welcome today's announcement."

Earlier on Saturday, Pope Benedict XVI announced MacKillop would become Australia's first Roman Catholic saint when she is canonised on October 17.

Meanwhile, Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell has applauded the sainthood of Mary MacKillop and joked that he told the Pope to "hurry up" and make a decision.

Cardinal Pell described Mother Mary as an ordinary Australian who fought for her faith and for those in need.

"Mother Mary of the Cross was a very normal Australian, she wasn't an exotic miracle worker, she wasn't an eccentric, she stuck at her task," he told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.

Cardinal Pell, speaking publicly for the first time since it was announced that Mother Mary would become Australia's first Roman Catholic saint, said at least 5000 Australians would travel to Rome on October 17 for the canonisation ceremony.

Pope Benedict XVI made the announcement following a meeting of senior bishops in Rome on Friday.

But Cardinal Pell said the process of confirming sainthood for Mother Mary had taken 85 years, joking that he had told the Pope to hurry up when he visited Sydney two years ago.

"I did as a matter of fact, and I knew after he had come and visited here during World Youth Day we were batting well," he said.

Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph, Sister Anne Derwin, said the news had come from Rome in a simple text message, of which she was the recipient.

"Yes, she's a saint. 17th of October," she said it read, adding that the Sisters of St Joseph had celebrated with a cup of tea.

MacKillop died in 1909 at the age of 67.

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