Abbott, Keneally, Bashir at Mary's tomb

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he is proud to see a strong woman like
Mary MacKillop recognised as Australia's first saint.
"She was a remarkable woman who inspired a large group of women to dedicate their
lives to service," he told reporters after a private vigil at Mary MacKillop Place
in North Sydney on Sunday.
"I'm a Catholic, I'm not the world's greatest Catholic but I think it's a great day
for Catholics to see the first Australian saint.
Mr Abbott said Mary's recognition was also good for women.
"More people should give more of their life to service of others ... Mary is a great
example," he said.
"She was a strong woman in an era where women were not recognised as they should be.
"She did great things in an era where woman were much more expected to stay in their
place."
Mr Abbott and his wife Margie arrived at Mary MacKillop Place earlier on Sunday for
private prayer in the chapel, where Mary is interred.
Also in attendance were NSW Governor Marie Bashir and NSW Premier Kristina
Keneally, her husband Ben and sons Brendan and Daniel.
The canonisation ceremony for Mary will begin soon in Rome, where up to 8000
Australian pilgrims have gathered at St Peter's to watch the mass led by Pope
Benedict XVI.