# The feast of St. Mary MacKillop and the Precious Blood
*2016-07-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of St. Mary MacKillop and prepares for an upcoming pilgrimage to Rome during the canonization of Mother Teresa.

## The Example of St. Mary MacKillop

Today is July 19th, the feast day of St. Mary MacKillop, the first Australian saint. Coming from Melbourne, she started her own order of sisters. Like all great saints, she faced significant struggles; at one time, she was even excommunicated due to false testimonies against her. However, she was eventually reinstated to her group and her sisters. Her life reminds us that we all go through struggles, even the greatest of saints.

## A Pilgrimage to Rome

I have a connection with Australia through the Archdiocese of Melbourne. We will be touring with them in Rome and staying at their facility there. Most of our companions on this pilgrimage will be Australian, which will make for a very interesting trip. We are traveling during the week of Mother Teresa's canonization, making it a very special journey. I thank the Lord and ask for safety for myself, my wife, and everyone making the pilgrimage to Rome.

## Prayer to the Most Precious Blood

Today we offer a prayer to the most precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sanctified His whole life for our sins so that we might be redeemed and one day join Him in heaven. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the suffering You endured for us mere sinners.

Precious blood of Jesus, infinite price paid as the ransom for the universe, drink and cleansing water for our souls and defense of humanity before the throne of the supreme mercy, we adore you profoundly. We desire, insofar as we can, to make reparation to you for the ingratitude and the outrages that you receive continuously from so many sinners, especially from the hardened sinners who blaspheme against you. May you always be blessed, O blood of infinite value. And may Jesus be blessed a thousand times, He who shed you for our salvation. It was His immense love for us that caused you to flow from His veins until the last drop. O blood of the redemption and of life, of unity and peace and source of grace, pledge of eternal life, grant that all hearts and tongues may praise and thank you both now and forever. Amen.

## Intercessions for the Suffering

We ask St. Mary MacKillop to pray for all those who are suffering now, including those who have been killed and the family members left behind. We pray for the injured, specifically the police officers killed and injured in Louisiana and Dallas, Texas, as well as those killed and injured by terrorists in Orlando, Florida. We love you, Lord Jesus; protect us. Blessed Mary, Mother of God, protect us. St. Mary MacKillop, protect us.

*Even the greatest saints face trials and excommunication, but through the Precious Blood of Christ and the intercession of the saints, we find redemption and protection.*