A collection of letters containing correspondence between Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Joanna Barr Smith

The correspondence between Mary MacKillop (1842-1909), Australia's first and only saint, and Joanna Barr Smith (1835-1919), one of Australia's wealthiest women, provides a fascinating insight into the relationship and between two remarkable and very different women in colonial Australia.
Mary MacKillop, a committed educator as well as spiritual leader, was foundress of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart at Penola in South Australia in 1866, now an international order. MacKillop, born in Fitzroy, Melbourne, became a teacher to support her family. She moved to Penola, taking her vows in 1867 and becoming Mary of the Cross, and then moved to Adelaide in the late 1860s. It was there that she met Robert and Joanna Barr Smith. Over many years this affluent couple provided philanthropic support to MacKillop by contributing funds for the Sisters of St Joseph and her educational ventures. (Joanna Barr Smith even funded MacKillop's tomb in Sydney.) Mary MacKillop was beatified in 1995 and canonised in 2010.

Although not a Catholic, Joanna Barr Smith was a committed Christian and noted for her support of worthy causes. One of her obituaries started: 'It was characteristic of Mrs. Barr Smith that no appeal to her on behalf of the poor and needy was ever made in vain.' A strong friendship developed between the two women. Barr Smith no doubt was inspired by MacKillop's vocation and drive. They also shared a Scottish heritage. Fortunately for posterity, both were enthusiastic and voluminous correspondents who wrote open and frank letters. An indication of the warmth of their relationship is given in the letter Mary MacKillop wrote to Joanna Barr Smith, dated 17 October 1873: 'Oh my dear and valued friend how much I wish that I could speak my whole mind to you upon the one thing which in your case so much absorbs my thoughts \x85 I cannot believe that your mind is at rest upon this point, and until it is, you know that the true heartfelt affection of my poor self for you will never be satisfied'.

The correspondence from Mary of the Cross, as MacKillop signed herself, to Joanna Barr Smith covers personal matters concerning Joanna's spiritual and emotional states - often very fragile - and her faith, as well detailed information on educational matters.

Christopher Menz
June 2015

1. 'Death of Mrs. Barr Smith', The Advertiser, 24 October 1919, p. 9

2. Letter from Mary MacKillop to Joanna Barr Smith, 17 December 1873