Mary MacKillop Place, together with the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Mary MacKillop Today, is inviting pilgrims, supporters and the wider community to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
Held at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, the annual celebration honours Australia’s first saint and offers opportunities for prayer, reflection, fellowship and thanksgiving.
The Feast Day holds particular significance for Catholics in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, as Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is the patroness of the Diocese of Parramatta. The occasion offers a special opportunity for local Catholics to make a pilgrimage to the place where Mary MacKillop lived, died and is buried, and to give thanks for her enduring witness of faith and service.
Sr Josephine Dubiel rsj. Image: Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Sr Josephine Dubiel rsj, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, said the occasion is especially significant for the Josephite family and all those inspired by Mary MacKillop’s witness of faith.
“Mary MacKillop Place is a sacred site unlike any other because Mary lived, died and is buried here,” Sr Josephine said.
“The Feast Day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is a special opportunity to gather in prayer, celebration and community, giving thanks for Mary’s life, faith and enduring legacy. For the Josephite family, this day holds particular significance. Her example continues to inspire people across Australia and the world.”
Visitors will be able to attend Mass, pray at Mary MacKillop’s tomb, visit the Memorial Chapel, participate in creative activities, and enjoy hospitality throughout the day.
As part of this year’s celebrations, admission to the Mary MacKillop Museum will be free, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the story of Saint Mary MacKillop and the founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph 160 years ago by Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods.
Tomb of St Mary MacKillop. Image: Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Light meals will be available for purchase, while the Chapel, café and gift shop will operate with extended opening hours.
New initiatives for 2026 include a nine-day online pilgrimage Novena hosted by Mary MacKillop Place and the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry. Across nine evenings, participants will reflect on themes of hope, wonder and trust through a series of 30-minute online sessions.
Another new addition is the Holy Hour for Young People, which will be held from 4.30pm to 5.45pm before the Feast Day’s final Mass. Led by a young adult community, the Holy Hour will feature music and Eucharistic adoration, with a special invitation extended to young adults aged 18 to 35.
Families, children and creative participants will also be able to visit the Feast Day Wonder and Reflection Zone in the old School House, where mindful and creative activities will be available throughout the day.
Masses will be celebrated at 8am, 10am, 1pm and 6pm, with the 10am Mass livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.
Mary MacKillop Place is located at 80 William Street, North Sydney, with pedestrian and wheelchair access also available via the Museum Gates at 7 Mount Street.
The Feast Day celebration is made possible through the efforts of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, staff and volunteers who have worked extensively to prepare the site and welcome visitors for this special occasion. For more information, visit the Mary MacKillop Place website.
