Mary

1st watched 9/7/2001 - 7 out of 10(Dir-Kay Pavlou): Well done docu-drama on the life of the 1st saint crowned from Australia by the Catholic church. This story is very compelling and keeps you interested. This "Mary" was very rebellious to the local church authorities, so much so that she was excommunicated once, and sent away by the Father another time, but in the end was recognized as a Saint. It's amazing how people who are looked at as very little in their life by some can become so immortalized when their life is examined more closely. This is basically what happened to her. The documentary footage is of those who knew her as well as those who examined her life and ultimately was involved in making the decision to vote her in as a saint(Titled - a Saintmaker). The footage on the process was not near as compelling as the actual life of this woman, but fortunately the focus was not on the former but more on the later. The parts were also well-played in the dramatic part of the movie which gave the film an almost two movies in one feel. This movie is a rare find, if you can track it down - watch it.

When I first ordered this movie I only had a vague idea of who Blessed Mary MacKillop was. After watching the film, I not only had a better understanding, but I admired her immensely.

Mary MacKillop was an innovator in that she was one of the first women to start a teaching order of nuns in Australia. In doing so, she did not believe in the separation of children according to their station in life. She also believed it was important to interact with and not just teach the children. Many of the towns people, as well as the Church itself, felt uncomfortable with some of Mother Mary's ways of teaching.

Her order, the Sisters of St. Joseph, grew rapidly and began to expand outside of the smaller areas of Australia. While this happened, the Church began a campaign against Mother Mary. Where she believed her order of nuns should remain autonomous, there were those in the Church who found her ideas threatening and there were plans underway to strip Mary of her autonomy.

I don't want to divulge any more information...you really do need to see this remarkable film to appreciate it. One nice touch is that the film is actually a movie and documentary combined. The phenomenal Lucy Bell portrays Mother Mary so convincingly that you begin to feel she isn't really acting.

Do yourself a favor. Rent or buy this movie and sit back and enjoy each frame. You will not be sorry you did!

Mike Rossillio