Pope to Visit Tomb of Australia's Saint-In-Waiting

SYDNEY, May 20, 2008 -- Pope to Visit Tomb of Blessed Mary MacKillop
by Andrew Rabel

It was confirmed today that Pope Benedict XVI will pray at the tomb of Bl Mary MacKillop (1842-1909), when he visits Sydney in July for World Youth Day celebrations.

Mary MacKillop was a 19th century nun who was a pioneer of Australia's Catholic school system. Her misunderstandings with Catholic bishops of the time led to her excommunication (which was soon lifted) and later on banishment from the city of Adelaide, among other things.

This never stopped the Melbourne born religious and social worker, from her tireless work in the order she co-founded, the Sisters of St Joseph on behalf of poor and abandoned children......