Introduction- Great Joy
Great Joy is inspired by the Spirituality and legacy of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Created whilst teaching at St Joseph’s Tobruk Memorial School where the spirit of Mary Mackillop is alive and well. Released in 2017, this album features St Joseph’s Music Ministry.
It is my hope that through these songs the lessons of St Mary of the cross Mackillop can be taught for generations to come.
Lyric Notes
Lyric notes can be used to unpack songs with students to allow the story and legacy of Mary Mackillop to inspire deeper connections with God and each other.
Living and loving Like Jesus
Living and Loving like Jesus invitees the listener to follow in Mary Mackillop’s footsteps to nurture faith through prayer build the kingdom of God through good works.
A Song of Praise (Great Joy)
A Song of Praise was inspired by the reflections of Mary Mackillop. After travelling to Rome in 1873 to obtain Papal approval of the sisterhood and spending a further two years travelling Europe observing teaching methods, Mary finally made her way home to Australia. It was at that time that she wrote she was ‘filled with great joy’ at the thought of coming home to Australia. When I think of coming home to Australia, I think of it’s rare beauty and how engaging with creation brings me closer to God.
A Song Of Praise(Great Joy ) New Zealand version- Given Mary’s New Zealand legacy, I could hardly record this without paying homage to the gift of the New Zealand countryside.
Pick Me
“Never see a need without trying to do something about it,” (Mary Mackillop, 1871). Pick me is a conversation with God. The observer can see through God’s eyes and makes their actions a prayer. It invites the listener to engage in a life of faith, where one is challenged to step out from the crowd and make a difference to the life of another, knowing that God is in partnership with them in their deeds.
Walk of Love
Walk of Love is a celebration of the hospitality of the Josephite order. It acknowledges the hesitation sometimes felt towards reaching out to the marginalised. Walk of Love challenges the listener to step out of their comfort zone and engage in a relationship with the other. The building of voices in the chorus suggests that we are working together to continue Jesus’ ministry.
Pray With Me
Pray with me is a prayer of intercession inspired by praying the novena to Mary Mackillop. My darling mother lost her battle with cancer in 2008. She found great comfort and strength in praying through Our Lady and Mary Mackillop. I dedicate this prayer to all those who devote their prayers of intercession through St Mary of the Cross Mackillop and pray that they feel strengthened by God’s healing touch.
A Young Australian Girl
When I think of the remarkable works of Mary Mackillop, it is easy to forget how young she was. Born in 1842 she began teaching in 1863, by the time she travelled to Rome she was only 31 years old! Given the challenges of communication and travel in the 1800’s it is astounding what this young women achieved. It speaks of the love, faith and courage that sustained the sisters of St Joseph in the 1800’s and invites the listener to join them in Jesus’ mission today. The last two verses of Young Australian Girl offers simple suggestions of how we can be present to one another and show compassion and love.
A Young Australian Girl (St Joseph's Version) Original song, written specifically for Josephite schools,
Open Up Your Heart
Open up your heart is filled with the wisdom of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Taken from her letters, some of the more recognisable quotes of Mary Mackillop are found within these lyrics. For that reason this song holds a special place in my heart. I often hear these words of wisdom in my mind and heart, when I am facing life’s challenges. They bring me comfort and strength and remind me to place my trust in God.
Note:
Mary Mackillop* and use of wisdom from Mary Mackillop* used with permission from the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph.