FD of Mary MacKillop (d 1909), first saint of Australia. While her Sisters provided heroic service to the poor, her story is remarkable for the opposition and persecution she endured from the bishops. One excommunicated her. Another spread rumors she was an alcoholic.
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Another told Rome she was "infected with fanaticism and insubordination to authority," that her aim was "to subvert he whole system here." The bishops tried to overturn her constitution. Finally, Rome, In this case, came to the rescue and supported her.
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She welcomed such ordeals as "presents from God"--an opportunity to grow closer to Christ. Her persecutors were "her most powerful benefactors." Nevertheless, she acknowledged, "God's presents were often hard to understand."
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Sounds familiar as I watch the attacks on Father James Martin SJ. Radical love for outcasts can be dangerous.
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Catholic bishops have garnered too much power. They behave as unaccountable business administrators.
It takes special strength to speak truth to power! St. Mary MacKillop, pray for us, the Church People of God!