“Here I am in Lady Gordon’s drawing-room with that good holy soul, her daughter and another lady beside me. We have just had Mass in their Oratory this morning said by Fr Mackay, a very old priest who said he was at Lismore with Papa, and that later still knew him in Rome.
Lady Gordon has received me with open arms, and is delighted saying it is the first time a female religious has been in this part of the country. She is a charming old lady and deeply interested in anything connected with religion and especially with people from these parts. She enquired minutely about poor Papa and all the family and remembered them all. How wonderful that without knowing it, I should come to the very part where they were all so well known.”

“Won’t it cheer you, my own dear Mamma, to know that your child sees the parts you have so known and loved, and meets so many who have known and loved you? I am a changed being in appearance since I came here.
Mrs Vaughan says I am getting quite rosy.
…but just to let you see that I am at home, and with kind good friends.”

WE PRAISE YOU, WE THANK YOU
For our homes in the past and homes of today:
For the intimate fun of family celebrations and guests at our table:
For the cries and cooing of a first baby and the thrill of watching growth:
For children who chatter and make-believe, for dolls and birthday parties:
For pets that make our home their own:
For strong walls that keep storms out and protect our families:
For the love that binds us together and allows us to be honest with each other:
For forgiveness sought and forgiveness given:
For our ancestors who looked to the future and crossed dangerous seas:
For the characteristics that have been inherited by us and enhance our lives:
For what the future may bring that we may accept it as God’s loving gift:
For the MacKillops and MacDonalds who made their home in Australia and gave us Mary MacKillop:

Response: Let us praise the Lord for the goodness we have recieved