Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Name: Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Start: 2026-08-08
End: 2026-08-08
Location: North Sydney

The Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop is an annual religious celebration held on August 8 at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney. This significant event honors Australia’s first saint at the site where she lived and is now buried, featuring multiple Masses throughout the day, prayer at the saint's tomb, and free admission to the onsite museum.

Date: Aug 8, 2026
Location: North Sydney

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Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Event summary

Highlights

Masses scheduled throughout the day at 8am, 10am, 1pm, and 6pm
Free entry to the Mary MacKillop Museum
Opportunities for prayer and reflection at St Mary MacKillop’s tomb
Holy hour for young adults (ages 18–35) starting at 4:30pm

The annual feast day honors St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the first canonized saint of Australia. Held at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney, the event invites pilgrims to visit the Memorial Chapel and pray at the saint's tomb. The 2026 celebration is particularly notable as it marks the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Saint Joseph by MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods.

Throughout the day, scheduled Masses are held at 8am, 10am, 1pm, and 6pm, with the 10am service typically available via livestream for those unable to attend in person. Visitors can also enjoy free entry to the Mary MacKillop Museum to learn about her life, faith, and the enduring legacy of her religious order.

Special activities for the 2026 program include a dedicated holy hour for young adults aged 18 to 35 in the late afternoon and a 'Wonder and Reflection' zone featuring creative activities for children and families. In the days leading up to the feast, an online pilgrimage novena is also hosted to engage the global community.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Mary MacKillop Place; catholicweekly.com.au
Area for browsing nearby events: North Sydney

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.