Australian Catholic University

St Mary of the Cross Square was opened in 2013 providing a public space for the Fitzroy community, within the surrounds of St Patrick’s Campus of Australian Catholic University (ACU). 

In the midst of this beautiful tree lined square is an inspiring statue of a young Mary MacKillop, created by Melbourne artist Louis Laumen. The statue depicts Mary Mackillop as a young woman with a book in her hand referencing her contribution to education. The dove of peace sits beside her. The statue embodies the idealism and aspiration of a youthful Mary MacKillop, as she gazes towards the place of her birth on the opposite side of Brunswick Street Fitzroy. 

A series of bronze plaques depicting significant aspects of Mary’s life work, lead from Brunswick Street to the statue, then through to the entrance of Mary of the Cross MacKillop Chapel in the Daniel Mannix Building. 

The Chapel, designed in a contemporary traditional style, provides the campus and the local community with a peaceful place of worship and reflection. The life of Mary MacKillop and the history of the Sisters of St Joseph have been closely intertwined with the University since the very beginning. Mary MacKillop’s respect for the dignity of all people, her service of the disadvantaged and her efforts to build the capacity of those communities she served are qualities which ACU seeks to instill in its staff, students and graduates.