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Mary MacKillop Chapel and Museum in Sydney seeks to preserve and hold up the life and struggles of Mary Mackillop, who is thought to be the first saint of Australia. The museum comprises of a number of buildings each of which narrate a phase of Mary MacKillop's life. A trip to the museum is a truly transcendental experience as one relives Mary’s days in the country and feels the remarkable resolve with which she had surmounted her impediments. Equipped with superior technological gadgets, the museum recreates the fascinating tale of one of the most inspiring figures of Australia. The spirit with which she combated the injustices meted to her, stands as a lesson to the visitors in the museum. The place is in fact, a soothing resort which refreshes any one with its divine calmness. The museum has several sections to weave the story of Mary. The following are some of the most absorbing parts of the museum- The 'Saints Above' is an interesting display of the lives of various saints. The display uses interactive buttons, and as one presses a button, the saints come to life to narrate their lives. The museum has an exhibition of articles and documents that relate the early life of Mary. It traces Mary’s years right from the days with her family to her works with the sisters of Adelaide. Excommunication is a haunting chamber that enacts Mary’s excommunication by Bishop Sheil in 1871. The chamber is designed to present a dramatic narration of the event when Mary was wrongly condemned on the grounds of being rebellious. The display is visually exciting and the visitors listen enraptured as the room echoes with furious voices hurling accusations at Mary. The Alma Cottage, where Mary once resided is a quiet refuge which still stands with Mary’s possessions.
The Miracle Room of the museum holds up the miracles that are attributed to Mary Mackillop. Mary MacKillop Place has a wonderful chapel built in 1913. With marble engravings of the Last Supper, the chapel enshrines Mary’s tomb, and is a perfect place for contemplation. The chapel and is a common destination for the pilgrims of Sydney. The museum also has a shop selling books and souvenirs on Mary MacKillop and her life. As Mary died on the 8th of august, the place hosts special masses and events on the 8th day of each month, and is a common destination for the pilgrims of Sydney. The museum remains open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum is near the North Sydney station, and the ones traveling by bus can walk a few minutes from the Miller Street and the Pacific Highway bus stops. Address:
7 Mount Street - North Sydney
2060 - The Lower North Shore
NSW
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