(Today the Archdiocese of Brisbane which has called Mary MacKillop its patron celebrate the Mass of her feast rather than that of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.)

Mary MacKillop enjoys the celebrity status of the rescued Chilean miners this week. She is receiving widespread publicity across secular, as well as Catholic, Australia as thousands of Australians flock to Rome and Penola for her canonisation today.

Someone remarked to me recently when talking about Mary's canonisation that there is a need for some more ordinary married people to be canonised. In an age when marriage is under so much pressure it certainly would be good to have the joys and trials of marriage recognised in such a way. Many married people do live holy and heroic lives living the Christian ideal of love. But it is usually only those in positions of leadership, whose lives are visible for all to see, that are canonised. The hidden life of married people does not easily lend itself to such discernment.

Mary has recently been spoken of as an "aussie battler". She certainly was an ordinary person who had her share of struggles and identified with ordinary people married and otherwise in their plight. Now, as a recognised figure in Australian history, she sheds light on the lives of many unknown European settlers in Australia. The challenges these "aussie battlers" faced, the failures and mistakes that were theirs, have a place in history, and are celebrated by Mary's life.

But she was not just an "aussie battler", even though that title has helped her achievements be acknowledged by non-believers as well as Catholics. She was more than that because she did not by any means see herself just as a victim of unjust treatment. It was not a case of the underdog against the bishops. That was not how she understood relationships within the Church even though she was in conflict with some people. She did not demand better treatment. But she certainly put her own case strongly without flinching.

The readings of her feast we heard today give a more accurate picture of how Mary lived. Her trust was in God nothing else. So it did not matter what obstacles came her way. It was the abiding knowledge of God's love that sustained her. And in that of course, for her and for us, is the reality of the cross. Jesus was not simply a victim either. He let himself be taken to Calvary, not being sorry for himself, but in solidarity with all those who suffer. In that sacrificial love Jesus priesthood is found.

Mary died just over 100 years ago in August 1909. It is so long ago it is hard for us to appreciate what she meant at the time. The Catholic newspaper in Sydney at the time, the Freeman's Journal, wrote about her after her death: "The death of Mother Mary of the Cross leaves a blank - a great irretrievable blank in the national life of Australia. What she wrought for the people and for the glory of God, and life's labour stands as the noblest record of an Australian woman. She worked with enthusiasm and inspired confidence in others but her enthusiasm was controlled by a well-balanced mind illuminated with heavenly wisdom" (quoted in "Mary MacKillop A Window of Hope", by Monica Cavanagh rsj).

When thinking about her place in the Catholic Church story of Australia, I found myself thinking of many others who have died. People from my own family and many from this parish whom we have known and loved. I doubt if any of those we know would be canonised. But for us as Catholics, the bond of unity between us remains. The canonisation of one Australian gives us reassurance that we can be faithful to our Baptism and, as one of her biographers has said, a good life is possible even in secular Australia.

Life is not wasted because we don't achieve the goals we set ourselves. Our mistakes and any opposition and even rejection we might come up against do not mean we have failed. Compassion for each person and knowing the love God has for us means we can live with great hope and deep joy. Today with all Australian Catholics, those in Rome and those at home, can call on her intercession in our prayer for this country.

Fr Graham