Australia has it's first 'Saint' and I think it's a great thing because Mary Mackillop is such a great example of a Christian lady who showed incredible bravery, compassion and dedication. Virtues that are a possibly little thin at the moment in many quarters of our land. I think she deserves out due respect.
If you want to know more about her great life read here:
Without raining on her truly justified parade - I just want to point out a few things that to me are not based in the New Testament about this 'Saint' stuff...
*We can pray directly to God and don't need to pray through 'Saints' (it's all through the New Testament - but read Hebrews 10 for starters) In fact it's probably NOT a good idea to pray through a Saint, when Jesus has already opened the door for you to God.
* ALL Christians are declared 'Saints' in the New Testament - often the letters to the churches (in the Bible) open with 'to the saints' (eg When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus he started out "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithfulin Christ Jesus...")
Having clarified that - Mary Mackillop, though human - is a great example to follow in many ways.
Martin Luther said this about 'Church declared Saints', that they can be honored in three ways:
1.By thanking God for examples of His mercy
2. By using the saints as examples for strengthening our faith
3. By imitating their faith and other virtues
Having Mary Mackillop as an example is a fresh change from the many tinsel town heroes that are shoved down our throats with sugar coating and little substance. Congratualtions, Mary of the Cross : )
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