This is a fictional story of Mary Mackillop's early years before she began her life in the religious order of The Sisters of St Josephs.

While lying on her death bed Sister Mary reminisces of her life as a child. Young Mary’s life was filled with disappointment, which led to her strength and courage. Constantly moving due to her father’s lack of self control she is sent to work as a governess at the young age of 14, to help pay the bills when her father was out of work, again. This is when she discovers she has a real passion for teaching and wants all of Australia to see all people treated the same, whether rich, poor or aborigine. Over the course of the next few years she meets Father Woods who encourages her to follow her passion and start up her own Institute to train nuns to teach.

The truly inspiring story of courage, determination and selflessness of Australia’s iconic Mary Mackillop. Highly recommended ( )

Tells of Mary Mackillop’s early years – she reminisces as she lies dying. Each chapter is a different time and place – how there were so many in her family, she was sent to other farms – how her father would always argue with others and lose his job, how he hated Australia and would often return o/s for years at a time leaving the family to rely on the charity of family & neighbours- M’s first inkling of her true calling – how she wanted to set up schools for every child so that all could read, write and add. A truly amazing person. p.196 – 200 (up to “just me”) When M realizes that children are not being taught. ( )