Opening of the Rituals of Life exhibition, Vatican Museums

Transcript, E&OE

15 October 2010

FOREIGN MINISTER: Can I say on behalf of the Australian Government, and I'm sure Julie will say so soon on behalf of the Australian Opposition, how much of an honour it is to be here in Rome, for the commencement of what's going to be an extraordinary set of celebrations for the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.

This evening we begin with something quite remarkable - that is, the celebration of our most ancient culture and civilisation, that of Indigenous Australians.

The fact that the Vatican Museums has opened their doors to bring to the public's notice this extraordinary collection of Aboriginal Artefacts is a great tribute to the Church here in Rome and the Vatican Museums. But also on top of that, those from the sister institutes in Australia.

The last thing I'd like to say before turning to Julie Bishop for her comments, I think for all Australians, whether they be Catholic or not, religious or not, we are looking forward to an extraordinary weekend of celebrations in honour of an extraordinary Australian woman, Mary MacKillop.

JULIE BISHOP: I take this opportunity to thank the Australian Government for providing us with the opportunity to bring together an Australian Parliamentary Delegation to be in Rome this weekend for this most momentous occasion.

It is a delegation made up of members of the House of Representatives, in Kevin and me, the Senate, Barnaby Joyce and Ursula Stephens. We come from different states, different parties, Catholic, non-Catholic, and yet this occasion transcends politics, transcends religion, and I think it is an indication of how the life of Mary MacKillop can be an inspiration for all Australians.

And personally, I feel blessed to be here to be part of these events.

This morning we had a morning tea with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and the mood in the room was electric.

It means so much, to not only Catholics in Australia, and Christians, others in our country but this is a global event of global significance, and all Australians should feel proud of it.

Kevin, I thank the Australian Government for ensuring that we can have a group of Australian Parliamentarians here to take back the message to Australians that they can be proud of the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.

FOREIGN MINISTER: Before we take your questions, just one footnote from me about the Josephites.

These are a fantastic group of Australian women - nuns who you never want to get in the road of. These are just the most formidable representatives of the legacy, and tradition and the spirit of Mary MacKillop. I've got to know them well in recent years. And for them this has been an arduous and long journey. And as Julie said, we are blessed to be here with them, blessed to be here to celebrate this enormous occasion of spiritual significance to all Australian people.

JOURNALIST: Mr Rudd, Joe Hockey said just in the last couple of weeks that he would find it hard to be a politician without his faith. Would you agree with that?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Look, I think that if you are of Christian faith, as I am, it doesn't make you any better or any worse than anyone else seeking to pursue a life in politics or public life.

For me personally, it certainly helps. There are high days and there are low days in political life, so it does help.

But I say that fully mindful of the fact that so many of first class political leaders in Australian history, be they of the conservative parties, or of our own political position, have been either faith, or not of faith - for me personally it's been of great assistance.

JOURNALIST: And on that, have you any been... in rumours about the Mary MacKillop chapel at North Sydney your name came up, I have to say. Have you prayed at the North Sydney Chapel, and your own personal thoughts on Mary MacKillop if you like?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, I think I've said about all I am going to say about questions of my personal faith.

This is an occasion for all Australians to celebrate Mary MacKillop. It's not about any individual politician. We are here representing the Parliament of Australia.

So, I'm just an ordinary guy, with an ordinary faith who regularly stuffs up like the rest of us. I am not going to go into my own religious pilgrimage. What I would say again, and I hope I speak on behalf of us all, is that this is an occasion of great celebration.

You know something, there were a whole bunch of cynics around in Australia when we had World Youth Day in Sydney. And they all thought this was slightly crazy, but you know something, it materially affected the spirit of Sydney when that was all on.

I think there is something of that spirit alive again here. And I think also in the attraction which Mary MacKillop represents to Australians of all walks of life. As I've said, religious, non-religious, Catholic, non-Catholic, and that's one of the reasons why we are here today with Julie and others.

JULIE BISHOP: I think one of the exciting aspects of the canonisation is the impact that it can have on others.

It is not just about the canonisation of a Saint, as momentous as that is, but it's about the legacy that she left in Australia and elsewhere.

And all Australians can be inspired by this story, her background, her conviction, her journey through life is an inspiration for everyone. I hope her canonisation will bring her story to life for all Australians. And that will be one of the great benefits of this whole weekend, having Australians here, and so many of them.

Kevin you will be delighted to know that at the Piazza Navona today, Barnaby, Ursula and I were mobbed by Australians who are here for the canonisation, they seem to be everywhere, and they really have got into the spirit of things, and I think they will take that back to Australia so that the life and work of Mary MacKillop will live on.

END

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