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Mary Mackillop, was known in life as Mother Mary of the Cross, was born on the day of the 15th of January, 1842, in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Mary was the eldest of 8 children, to Alexander MacKillop and Flora neè McDonald. Her mother and father migrated from Lochaber area in Inverness-shrin and her parents married after reaching Melbourne. Mary died August 8th 1909.
"But after a few years I went to open a school in Penola, under Father Woods, who gradually unfolded to me his idea of endeavouring to do something in the same way for the neglected poor children of South Australia. The way in which he described their wants so completely agreed with all my previous desires, that when he asked me whether (provided he got the Bishop's consent to commence an Institute to meet these wants) I would remain and become one of his first children in the flock, I joyfully consented.

From that time I gave myself completely to the work, which almost every day seemed to confirm as the vocation I had so long sought, and under the direction of my good Confessor I found true peace."

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'Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can.'
- Mother Mary Mackillop

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In 1873 Mother Mary traveled to Rome in order to submit the rule of her institute to the propaganda. There she received the Papal blessing. The following year, the approbation of the Pope (Pius IX.) being given to the rule. For it was not accepted by the Bishops of Bathurst and Queensland, the sisters of Bathurst who had accepted the constitutions then returned to Adelaide, as the remainder forming a separate community under the guidance of Bishop Quinn.

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In 1867 the novitiate was established in Adelaide, and in August of that year Mother Mary made her religious profession. The institute, though begun under lowly conditions and with no resources behind it, spread rapidly. Five years later there were 120 members. In 1869 a foundation was projected in Queensland, and the sisters begged their fares from one colony to the next, the branch being established in the face of many trials and privations.

The Queensland sisters accepted an invitation from the late Archbishop Vaughan to establish themselves in the archdiocese of Sydney. A request from the late Dr. Torreggiani to begin work in the diocese of Armidale.
In 1879, the sisters established schools and an education for young children who's families were unable to afford school.