FED: Hours remain until Vatican decision on Mary MacKillop

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2009
FED: Hours remain until Vatican decision on Mary MacKillop

Only hours of anticipation remain until Pope BENEDICT the 16th is expected to decree
MARY MACKILLOP'S second miracle .. making her Australia's first saint.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney understands Archbishop ANGELO AMATO .. the Prefect
of The Congregation For The Causes Of Saints .. is expected to meet Pope Benedict in Rome
tonight out time (EDS:about 9pm AEDT).

The congregation is a secretive body of cardinals and is understood to be considering
Mother MARY'S sainthood before making a recommendation to the Pope.

If Mother MARY MACKILLOP'S second miracle is confirmed by the Pope .. the congregation
will meet about an hour later.

Following that meeting .. an announcement is expected shortly after about the canonisation
of MARY MACKILLOP.

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott .. a devout Catholic .. has acknowledged Mary's
achievements as a servent to the church and her community .. but reserved his comment
as a politician.

New South Wales Premier KRISTINA KENEALLY .. a feminist and a church-going Catholic
.. says it would be fantastic for Australia and for New South Wales to be able to celebrate
our first Australian saint.

AAP RTV vpm/wz

KEYWORD: MACKILLOP (SYDNEY)

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