This weekend’s reading from Colossians, chosen for this Feast, expresses the Christian virtues that were obvious in Mary MacKillop’s life – compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Above all, Mary exemplified the virtue of patient forbearance and forgiveness in her dealings with Church authorities. She suffered through excommunication with dignity and faithfulness to the church, while also being a woman of courage and single-minded determination to provide education for those in need. There is much in her life to celebrate and give thanks for – and much to emulate.