Nun has faith in rudd power of persuasion

POSITIVE STEP: Sister Kathryn Sweeney is pleased that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has promised to help promote the canonisation of Mother Mary MacKillop.

Cathy Adams

EVEN though Mary MacKillop died 100 years ago this August, Ballina-based nun Kathryn Sweeney feels a close connection to the woman set to become Australia's first saint.

“She was such an earthy person and she rode horses. Her big focus was on education and caring for the poor and underprivileged,” Sister Kathryn said.

It was this sense of connection which, in part, led Sister Kathryn to choose to join the Sisters of St Joseph when she entered the convent in 1973. Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph at Penola, SA, in 1866.

“When I entered the convent I met older sisters who had known her personally,” Sister Kathryn said.

“Of course, we all want her to be canonised. The Sisters of St Joseph started the process back in the 1920s. How wonderful to have a person who has come from the soil of Australia held up as a saint for the whole world; to know that I am part of that tradition!”

Sister Kathryn's dream may move a step closer following Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's promise to raise the matter when he meets with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome on Thursday. The Prime Minister will be in Italy for an economic forum.

Sister Kathryn said Mr Rudd could not influence the processes required for Mary MacKillop to be canonised, but 'it could not hurt to have an Australian of his status' mention it to the Pope.

Mr Rudd reportedly made his promise to two nuns at a Sydney church 'over a cup of tea' on Monday night.

Sister Kathryn said the fact Mr Rudd, a practising Anglican, had 'a heart for God' could only be positive for Australia, particularly in matters of social justice.