Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" March 2021!
March 2, 2021Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
Blog
Thank you for supporting First Nations Scholarships
January 15, 2021Happy New Year from all of us here at Mary MacKillop Today! We hope you enjoyed a peaceful Christmas despite the many ways COVID-19 continues to turn our lives upside down. After a uniquely challenging 2020, may this year be filled with new hope and renewal.
Dear Friends and Supporters of Mary MacKillop Today
September 1, 2020A message from our CEO to share an update about the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, and why we are focusing on our guiding principle, Women at the Heart, right now. It has certainly been an eventful year so far and I know many of you have been heavily impacted by the disruptions of […]
September 1, 2020A very special person integral to the beginnings of ethica in Peru A much-loved member of the Mary MacKillop Today family, Sister Cathy Dean, has sadly passed away. She played a key role in the inception of our Fair Trade social enterprise in Peru, ethica. One of Sister Cathy’s close friends and another important person […]
Celebrating 10 years since the canonisation of Saint Mary MacKillop
September 1, 2020This year is the 10-year anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint. At Mary MacKillop Today, we are reflecting on the qualities and actions that set Mary apart, and how her legacy continues to be relevant today. Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman with an extraordinary dream and a […]
Helping women affected by family violence in Peru
September 1, 2020One of the greatest dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increased risk of family violence. Women, especially, are suffering abuse at the hands of family members in their home.
Aussie schools raise funds for Mobile Kindy in Fiji
September 1, 2020We asked schools all over Australia to hold fundraising activities during the month of August in celebration of Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day. We were thrilled to see so many school communities sign up to raise funds for the Mobile Kindy program in Fiji!
Why I decided to include Mary MacKillop Today in my Will
September 1, 2020Now aged in her eighties, Leonie shared how she came to support Mary MacKillop Today many years ago by witnessing the wonderful work of her sister, Joan, who is a Sister of St Joseph.
What does it mean to achieve financial freedom?
September 1, 2020For many people, the impact of COVID-19 has brought financial hardship. With widespread job losses and business shutdowns, it means less money in the pockets of people who are desperately trying to make ends meet
Silvia and our Women’s Livelihoods Project
September 1, 2020Silvia is a wonderful example of a success story with our Women’s Livelihoods Project in Timor-Leste – thanks to your generosity!
Meet Hayden, First Nations Scholarship recipient
September 1, 2020Growing up, Hayden loved reading and learning all that he could. The more he learnt, the more he began to see the injustices that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were facing. That’s when he decided on his dream of becoming a lawyer.
Keeping Mary MacKillop's spirit alive
May 27, 2020I have recently been appointed as the Chairperson of Mary MacKillop today and am keen to try and emulate the remarkable work undertaken by our former Chair…
Celebrating Angela, a volunteer making a world of difference!
May 20, 2020National Volunteers Week is a time to celebrate the millions of volunteers across Australia. We would like to shine a light on one of our own inspiring volunteers, Angela…
Keeping kids healthy in Timor during COVID-19
May 1, 2020Many teachers and community leaders in Timor-Leste are currently not equipped to educate children and their families on basic health and hygiene practices…
How you can help young Aboriginal Australians
May 1, 2020Disengagement from education is a significant concern amongst community members in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and local service providers are …
April 5, 2020Want a simple and easy way to help Mary MacKillop Today? All you need to do is collect your used or new stamps and pop them in an envelope and send them to…
NILS & StepUp Loans - serving those in need over the phone!
April 3, 2020In this global pandemic we find ourselves facing, Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Inclusion Program throughout Central-West NSW is now more important than ever!
COVID-19: Maintaining the legacy of Mary MacKillop
March 20, 2020We here at Mary MacKillop Today are continuing our important work. I’d like to share with you what we are doing in response to COVID-19 to continue to serve those most in need;
January 28, 2020As the new CEO of Mary MacKillop Today, I aspire to work diligently, with pride and enthusiasm, alongside our dedicated staff, in serving our vital mission in a way that emulates and honours the legacy and spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop…
You’ve made Julio a happy dad!
January 28, 2020Mary MacKillop Today relies on your support to make a difference in the lives of parents in Timor-Leste, where many are not able to be involved in their children’s education.
January 28, 2020You might remember in our last newsletter we introduced you to an inspiring young man called Benjamin and we wanted to share with you a wonderful update!
Helping Aussies having a tough time...
January 28, 2020Your ongoing support of our Financial Inclusion Program gives a ‘hand up’ to those Aussies having a tough time.
January 28, 2020Mary MacKillop Today supports rural artisans in Peru through our Fair Trade social enterprise; ethica and our livelihoods program.
January 28, 2020Mary MacKillop Today’s Inclusive Communities is a vital program in Papua New Guinea aiming to increase access to inclusive health and education services while raising awareness of the rights of people with disability in remote village communities
Connecting Communities in Australia
January 28, 2020Mary MacKillop Today’s Community Grants Program partners with organisations to improve the lives of Australia’s most vulnerable and marginalised people through education in all its form.
Meet April, the first in her family to go to University!
January 28, 2020Help make tertiary education possible for determined First Nations students, like April, the first in her family to go to University!
Mary MacKillop Today - No Interest Loans Scheme Bushfire Relief
January 21, 2020For those of you directly impacted by the bushfires, we want to provide you with how, in response to this unprecedented disaster, our Financial Inclusion program’s ‘No Interest Loans Scheme’ (NILS) has been updated to assist you.
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Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" this March!
January 15, 2020Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
Introducing our new CEO- Jane Woolford!
January 10, 2020Mary MacKillop Today has announced the appointment of Jane Woolford as our new CEO, commencing 28 January 2020. Jane joins Mary Mackillop Today with a wealth of experience gained in the international and Australian not-for-profit sectors
September 3, 2019Dear Friends and Supporter,
Firstly, thank you for your kindness and support throughout what was an exciting first financial year as Mary MacKillop Today! You make it possible to lift vulnerable communities out of poverty through empowering opportunities – and I am so grateful for that.
You're giving a voice to women in Fiji
September 3, 2019In partnership with local organisation Ola Fou Fiji, the Talitha Women’s Leadership program aims to empower young women to be agents of change within their community. The training focuses on building skills in leadership, mentoring and financial literacy.
September 3, 2019As a ten year old boy Benjamin asked his mum to make jam to support his immense love of all things fruity and sweet. He also wanted to support children in Timor-Leste who don’t enjoy the same educational opportunities that he and his brothers have here in Australia
September 3, 2019Theresa is strong Aboriginal woman from the Gweagal Clan of the Eora Nation, Sydney. She however grew up in her father’s country within the culturally vibrant community of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, on the NSW south coast.
A fair income for single teen mums
September 3, 2019Recently ethica ran a crowdfunding campaign seeking funding to produce a new range of gorgeous fair trade bags and accessories to help single teen mums in Peru earn a fair income. ethica is our social enterprise that believes with all our heart in helping women and mothers to become strong women. Teen pregnancy is closely […]
- September 3, 2019
Your ongoing support of Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Inclusion Team means we are able to offer, in partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance, No Interest Loans (NILS) to those in need. Successful applicants of a NILS loan receive up to $1,500 with small fortnightly repayments over a 12 to 18 month period with no fees and […]
Creativity shines in Vanimo, PNG
May 17, 2019All humans are born creative, as our childhood finger-painting can attest to. Sometimes however, creativity is borne of necessity.
Our PNG Australian Aid Friendship Grant
March 12, 2019Support from the Australian Government through a Australian Aid: Friendship Grant is boosting efforts to support people with disability…
Thank you for the gift of books
February 5, 2019You might remember at the beginning of January 2018 Mary MacKillop Today’s first successful crowdfunding campaign raised over $18,000. The goal was to produce and develop empowering stories of children with disability in Papua New Guinea
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Your future leaders in action!
February 5, 2019On December 8th, Mount Saint Joseph High School Milperra, celebrated their annual Peru Day. On this day the Year 10 school students raise money for Mary MacKillop Today through all sorts of stalls.
February 5, 2019Mary MacKillop Today partners with organisations who support Australia’s most vulnerable and marginalised people to improve their lives through education in all its forms. Our Community Grants Program
February 5, 2019In 2016 Aiden Pearson received a Mary MacKillop Today Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Scholarship, allowing him to…
February 5, 2019Clara is a dedicated teacher in Fatuberliu, Timor-Leste. Married and with a young son her goal is to teach and guide her students as if they were her own child. Clara recently completed Mary MacKillop Today’s Health Literacy training
February 5, 2019Your generous support of Mary MacKillop Today has enabled us to develop two new partnerships with locally-based organisations in Fiji
February 5, 2019It was on the 19th March 1866, the Feast of St Joseph that Mary MacKillop wore her simple black dress to Mass, made her commitment, and so began the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
Collaboration and Hope in Fiji
November 9, 2018Over the past year, we’ve developed two new partnerships with locally-based organisations in Fiji, making Fiji the newest country for our growing Partnerships & Performance work!
Welcome to the first edition of Mary's News Today!
September 25, 2018Here we can share stories with you about the work you are making possible – both in Australia and overseas. In this edition you’ll see we have heart-warming stories from near and afar.
September 25, 2018Having a valid Will is important to help protect the future of your loved ones. After considering your family’s needs, choosing to leave a lasting legacy to Mary MacKillop Today will allow our life-changing work to continue for years to come
Celebrating new beginnings at our office blessing!
September 25, 2018Thank you to those who joined us for the Office Blessing at our new space in North Sydney on 17th July. It was great to be able to meet many of our supporters and to have some of our amazing Mary MacKillop Today Scholarship recipients attend.
Thank you for providing livelihoods!
September 25, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s partner in Peru, Solidaridad para el Desarrollo, has just completed training 40 women in Puka Phallcha and Kailla Kipu communities to knit beautiful garments and work together to manage their small businesses!
Your big heart has helped rural Aussies!
September 25, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Inclusion Program supports low income earners to move away from financial hardship towards stability.
September 25, 2018In the small community of Waramo village in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, your generous support is transforming the lives of people like Anna.
Say hello to Iza in Timor-Leste!
September 25, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s Mobile Learning Centre (MLC) operates in and around Dili in Timor-Leste. Many challenges exist for children to access quality education, with many schools and pre-schools outside of the capital lacking basic resourc
Linda's Story - giving back to her community!
September 25, 2018Linda is a motivated, focused and driven individual. As a mother of six and proud grandmother of one, she works tirelessly to inspire, educate and encourage her children to study hard by setting a good example.
We need your opinion - can you help us?
September 25, 2018I’m writing to you as one of our wonderful supporters because I value your opinion and would like to hear your feedback about what you think of Mary MacKillop Today and why our work is important to you.
Celebrating CBCA Book Week 2018 at Mary MacKillop Today
August 23, 2018At Mary MacKillop Today, we love books and all things education. Our staff took the opportunity to celebrate Book Week 2018 on 23 August!
Saint Mary MacKillop's Feast Day 2018
August 8, 2018This Feast Day, we’re celebrating the vision of Australia’s first Saint and of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, being realised.
August 8, 2018I believe at the heart of it, that is what Mary MacKillop was trying to achieve… for children to be free, to express themselves, to grow, to learn, to be inspired. To live life fully with a sense of optimism and nurturing.
Subsidiarity and Development in Timor-Leste
July 27, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s Timorese staff have trained thousands of teachers, approximately 15 per cent of the entire teaching population, on how to deliver the national curriculum using innovation and creativity.
Fostering a love of learning in Timor-Leste
July 5, 2018It’s been three years in the planning but finally it’s all coming together. In mid July, eight Year 11 students from St Joseph’s East Gosford will be flying into Timor-Leste to participate in the Mary MacKillop Today immersion.
July 4, 2018Programs like those instigated by The Glen and supported by Mary MacKillop Today in regional high schools and with families are so crucial in providing hope for a positive future for kids in regional communities.
Mary's courage alive in Timor-Leste
July 3, 2018This is an important reminder of what communities and individuals can achieve when empowered to make their own decisions.
July 2, 2018I watched yesterday as the new sign was lifted and hung outside our office in Dili, Timor-Leste.
COUNTDOWN ... OUR SINGLE MINISTRY
May 31, 2018Pray with us for Saint Mary’s blessings on the transformational change ahead. We are on the cusp of an historic moment.
Empowering parents to help their children learn!
May 10, 2018Children in poor communities are facing barriers to education…in their own homes. You can equip and empower their parents to help them.
2018 Scholarship Announcement!
March 7, 2018You’re helping more Indigenous Australians to break down barriers and fulfill their dreams. Many of our students are the first in their families to study at university, and it’s with your help that more Indigenous Australians are able to receive a tertiary education. One of the top reasons that Indigenous students drop out of university […]
2018 Community Grants Announcement!
March 7, 2018The Mary MacKillop Foundation is pleased to announce the funding for 22 life-changing community projects in 2018, which aim to improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalised Australians through education. If it were not for your generosity, many of the projects that we support through the Mary MacKillop Foundation might not otherwise receive funding needed […]
Education ... helping families learn together
February 5, 2018In Timor-Leste, many parents never had the opportunity to attend school themselves and now struggle to play an active role in their children’s learning and development at home.
February 5, 2018On 1 July 2018, Mary MacKillop International will join with the Mary MacKillop Foundation and the Josephite Foundation to form a powerful single ministry: Mary MacKillop Today.
Livelihoods ... creating new futures
February 5, 2018In Peru, less than 60% of women are active in the workforce, with those in remote and rural communities further disadvantaged by a lack of education and limited opportunities to earn a living
Health ... teaching skills that saves lives
February 5, 2018In Timor-Leste, MMI recently supported the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education for a Global Hand-Washing Day event that was held on October 18, 2017.
Dear friends and supporters of MMI
February 5, 2018Welcome to the February 2018 edition of Mary’s World. This will be an exciting year at MMI. There are hundreds of teachers in Timor-Leste who we plan to train and hundreds of women in Peru we will help to earn an income…and so much more!
Christmas Wishes from Timor-Leste!
December 22, 2017The MMI staff of TImor-Leste would like to convey our Happy Christmas and New Year for all of our supporters. We wish the new year brings a happiness and prosperity for all in the year coming.
A message from the Hon. John Watkins
December 19, 2017Mary MacKillop Today will bring together the work of the Mary MacKillop Foundation, Mary MacKillop International and the Josephite Foundation.
November 9, 2017Every year 1.4 million children do not live to celebrate their 5th birthday. Watch the video of our Health Literacy Program in Timor-Leste…
Help 5000 children get at book!
October 23, 2017Become a crowdfunding buddy with MMI’s Crowdfunding Campaign and help 5000 children get a book! Each book costs just $2.05- less than a cup of coffee.
Dear friends and supporters of MMI
September 20, 2017Welcome to the September 2017 edition of Mary’s World. In a world fraught with violence, oppression and suffering it can often be hard to find hope. Thanks to your support we can continue the legacy of Mary MacKillop and that brings great hope.
Education... empowering future leaders
September 20, 2017In Peru, MMI, in partnership with the Centro de Educacion, Organizacion y Promocion del Desarrollo, trains teachers and involves students in an effort to promote safe environments for children, both in their schools and in their homes.
Health... creating brighter possibilities
September 20, 2017In Papua New Guinea nearly one million children and adults with disabiliy lack access to proper support services. One of MMI’s on the ground partnerships is with Callan Vanimo Special Resource Centre (Callan Services) that seeks to address this imbalance.
Livelihoods... a fair go for all
September 20, 2017Sustainable, meaningful and fair livelihoods benefit whole communities, decreasing poverty that helps families to lead meaningful lives, open to all possibilities.
September 20, 2017In Sydney, on Friday 19 May 2017, MMI officially launched our programs in Papua New Guinea, celebrating the history and ongoing legacy of the Federation Josephites in PNG. We introduced our supporters to our partnership programs that focus on inclusive communities for those with disabilities and early childhood learning.
September 5, 2017Here at MMI we are very excited about our planned merger with the Josephite Foundation and the Mary MacKillop Foundation in July next year.
Celebrating 20 years of the Mary MacKillop Foundation
September 1, 2017On 28 July 2017, we held a Morning Tea to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mary MacKillop Foundation Our MC Caroline Jones lead a truly heart-warming event, where we were inspired to hear from multiple recipients of our Indigenous Tertiary Scholarships, as well as Frances Rush, the CEO of one of our project partners, […]
An Outstanding debt... by Mary Haire
August 16, 201775 years ago my father Jerry Haire was fighting for his life on Timor Leste. Outnumbered by the Japanese, he and around 300 commandos of the 2/2 Australian Independent Company had refused to surrender.
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What Mary MacKillop did for others, we still must do
August 8, 2017On 8 August every year, we celebrate Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s Feast Day This Feast Day, we’re celebrating 20 years since the launch of Mary MacKillop Foundation and reflecting on the qualities and actions that set Mary apart. She was truly a woman well before her time, with courage that inspires our work […]
FUNdraising Trivia Night - 28 June 2017
June 1, 2017It’s all about the fun! This general knowledge trivia night by Ethica is designed to amuse and entertain while supporting our livelihood projects in Peru!
Read Valentine's letter from PNG!
May 9, 2017Valentine Masa works in the remote township of Vanimo, Papua New Guinea. This is a community where many Sisters of St Joseph served
Meet Willie, an inspirational volunteer!
May 9, 2017As a person with a hearing impairment, Willie knows well the challenges the children in Papua New Guinea face each day.
Celebrating 100 Tertiary Scholarship Graduates!
April 5, 2017Can you imagine being the first in your family to graduate university? For many of our graduates, this is their reality, and it makes me even prouder to announce that one hundred of our Mary MacKillop Tertiary Scholarship recipients have now graduated universities across Australia. We are also so proud of the fact that not […]
Switch off to Join the Future this Earth Hour!
March 24, 2017Our actions on climate change today will shape the future for our children, so please join MMI this Saturday 25 March and switch off to #Jointhefuture.
Everyone Belongs - celebrate Harmony Day!
March 21, 2017Harmony day is a celebration of cultural diversity held every year on 21 March.
Take the Happiness Pledge on IHD!
March 19, 2017We ask you on International Happiness Day to take the pledge ‘to create more happiness in the world.’
St Joseph - Patient, humble and hidden.
March 18, 2017Celebrate the life of St. Joseph this feast day with the following reflection and prayer put together by the Sisters of St. Joseph.
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Celebrating bold action on IWD!
March 7, 2017This International Women’s Day, MMI would like you to get to know Maria Pereira, who, through the empowerment of education has boldly made positive transformations in both her own and her children’s lives.
Pray with us on World Day of Prayer!
March 2, 2017World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christians of all traditions who come together each year on the first Friday of March to observe a common time of prayer to which all people are welcome.
Livelihoods... a dignified life for all
February 8, 2017There are many barriers which prevent individuals from accessing safe and fair livelihoods. Research has shown that sustainable, fair and meaningful livelihoods for women…
Health... treating all equally
February 8, 2017One of the most basic human rights is the right to health. Having poor health severely limits access to education, work, food and shelter, making it difficult to live purposeful lives of dignity.
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Education... the opportunity for a lifetime
February 8, 2017Education has power; it’s more than learning to read and write, it has the ability to transform lives by giving individuals the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
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Dear Friends and supporters of MMI
February 8, 2017Welcome to the February 2017 edition of Mary’s World. Last year Pope Francis called all people of goodwill to “live fully, to choose to leave a mark.
Hello from the women of Pitumarca, Peru!
January 30, 2017Sophie Jenkins, MMI’s International Program officer, recently met with the women of the Puka Phallcha association in Pitumarca, Peru, including Lourdes, aged 27, who was recently elected as president of the association…
Meet the inspiring future leaders of Peru!
January 24, 2017MMI’s International Program Officer, Sophie Jenkins, is currently visiting our programs in Peru. Last week, Sophie met these inspiring future leaders of Peru, pictured in front of the mural they painted…
Connecting... compassion in action
January 16, 2017Throughout last year, the students and staff of Mount St Joseph in Milperra, once again demonstrated their passion and drive for social justice, working tirelessly to change the lives of women, men and children in Peru.
From us to you - a Christmas wish
December 19, 2016As Country director of MMI I would like to convey my great gratitude of your generous support to us. You have tirelessly committed to help our Timorese people and special thanks to the Mobile Learning Centre donors.
A wonderful celebration of music, faith & community!
December 15, 2016Sydney Sings with Amelia Farrugia was a wonderful celebration of music, faith and community on Saturday 10thDecember. So many people from the local Blessed Sacrament community and quite a number from a-far enjoyed the strength and beauty of Amelia Farrugia alongside her beautiful students.
Sydney Sings - In Concert Saturday December 10th
December 6, 2016This Saturday, highly acclaimed Australian Opera Singer, Amelia Farrugia will be showcasing students from her school – Sydney Sings at a very special concert in support of MMI’s Music-for-Life program run through our Mobile Learning Centre.
Making an Impact... Educating Timor-Leste
October 18, 2016Some 20 years since the Sisters of St Joseph were invited to help the people of Timor-Leste in Tetun literacy, MMI’s dedicated local staff work at the grass- roots to empower whole communities by training teachers in the most remote and underserviced regions of the country.
Taking Action - School Peace Program
October 18, 2016In Peru, MMI, in partnership with a local NGO, CEOP ILO, have implemented an innovative School Peace Program. Students are learning skills in conflict resolution, peer mediation and advocacy…
Changing Lives through friendship and faith
October 18, 2016Education remains a key challenge for Timor-Leste’s future development. In a country where nearly 50% of the population cannot read or write, the need to provide quality education is urgent.
Bringing hope through education, health & livelihoods
October 18, 2016Education Thanks to dedicated Australian supporters like you, MMI has purchased a bus which is being converted into a Mobile Learning Centre in Timor-Leste. It will be fitted out with Tetum literacy books, music equipment and other educational resources. The bus will visit schools, orphanages and disability centres in marginalised communities with MMI’s trainers using […]
Creating New Possibilities in Papua New Guinea
October 18, 2016Some 52 years ago the Josephites boldly commenced their mission with the people of PNG, working with some of the most remote communities in the world, and remained there for nearly 40 years.
Mary's World: Letter from MMI's CEO - Kirsty Robertson
September 30, 2016Dear friends and supporters of MMI
Earlier this year Pope Francis encouraged us to be hope for the future. He said to be that hope we needed two things.
Firstly, we needed a memory: of our people, our family and where we come from, the memory of our journey and what we received from those closest to you.
Sister Kathy - Reconnecting with Papua New Guinea
September 28, 2016Dear Friends
I was delighted when I was asked to accompany Kirsty and Sophie from MMI to Papua New Guinea last February. I had left the country after working with the people from 1970 to 1997.
January 13, 2016What a year we had! You all responded so enthusiastically to our Christmas appeal so thanks to you we will now be able to make sure Indigenous Australians who gain a place at a tertiary university are able to take full advantage of that opportunity. Now that we are well into the New Year I’ve […]
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Ten things you might not know about Mary
August 20, 2015Mary MacKillop was an educator, a pioneer and a leader, someone who had compassion for others regardless of their situation or race. Galvanised by her belief in the value of education as the foundation for a fulfilling life, Mary’s motto was ‘never see a need without doing something about it’. This led her to minister in […]
