Australia's First Saint Stamped

Monday, 18 October 2010

Australia Post will recognise the canonisation of Australia's first saint - Mary MacKillop - when it releases a commemorative stamp on 18 October 2010. After her canonisation, Mary MacKillop will be officially known as Saint Mary MacKillop.

"The canonisation of Blessed Mary MacKillop will be celebrated with services, vigils and pilgrimages. Australia Post will mark the occasion and recognise the selfless acts of this inspirational heroine in its own way with a special stamp issue. This is truly history in the making and we're certain that these stamps will be treasured by Australians for years to come," said Michael Zsolt, Manager of Philatelic, Australia Post.

Mary MacKillop was born in 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne to Scottish parents. From an early age Mary had wanted to be a nun. At just 24 years old she co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in South Australia and in so doing she made a commitment to live in poverty and dedicate her life to educating poor children, a task she continued until her death in 1909.

Although talks to have her beatified and canonised began decades ago, it wasn't until 19 January 1995 that she was formally beatified. In February 2010, Pope Benedict XVI announced that her canonisation ceremony would take place at the Vatican on 17 October 2010. Services across Australia will also celebrate the occasion.

The new stamp features a photograph of Mary MacKillop taken during the 1890s, used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph.

The Mary MacKillop stamp has been designed by Adam Crapp from the Australia Post Design Studio. Adam also designed the Mary MacKillop prepaid envelope released in April 2010.

The stamp will be available for purchase from 18 October at all participating Australia Post retail outlets while stocks last. It will also be available from the online shop. To find out more or to order from the Mary MacKillop stamp series, go to www.auspost.com.au/stamps