Mary MacKillop’s Respite

From 1883 Blessed Mary MacKillop (1842-1909) travelled to New Zealand four times, spending a total of three years here. In 1894 she visited coastal Matata twice, offering support to the fledgling Sisters of St Joseph. Eight years later, worn out by decades of struggle, Mary MacKillop returned to Rotorua on the advice of her doctor, who suggested that the thermal waters could offer relief for her rheumatism. Such hopes were dashed and her respite short when on 11 May 1902 she suffered a life-threatening stroke.

To coincide with Mary MacKillop’s beatification, museum staff member Ann Somerville will tell the story of Rotorua’s connections with the Southern Hemisphere’s first saint.

Admission free with entry to the museum.

Museum admission charges:
Adult: $12.50
Child: $5.50
Small family (1 adult & up to 3 children): $17
Large family (2 adults & up to 3 children): $29

Museum opening hours: 9am - 8pm summer (Oct - Mar), 9am - 5pm winter (Apr - Sep)