MacKillop Family Services has been formed by the coming together of seven Catholic Welfare agencies sponsored by three religious congregations - the Christian Brothers, the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of St. Joseph. Behind this simple statement of fact are an inspirational vision and a rich history, particularly in the story of the founders of the Congregations, Catherine McAuley, Edmund Rice, and Mary MacKillop.
The three founders were inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. As one of them said: What a consolation to serve Jesus Christ Himself in the person of the poor and to walk in the very same path that he trod (Catherine McAuley). They all had a burning desire to do whatever they could to help alleviate poverty and injustice in the society of their times.
Our story begins in nineteenth century Ireland, a country of stark contrasts. Poverty, legalised oppression and religious discrimination, especially of the dispossessed Catholic underclasses, were endemic. The country was ruled from London and a privileged Protestant landowning class enjoyed all the power and prestige. And yet, from this seemingly hopeless situation, signs of growth and freedom were slowly emerging.