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.

Aug 5, 2019 · 2:07 PM UTC

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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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