Michael Lee was lost for words on entering Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City yesterday to witness the canonisation of Australia's first Catholic saint.
''We've just entered the square and I can't tell you how moved I am,'' the principal of St Mary MacKillop College in Canberra said.
Emotionally touched by the experience, Mr Lee described the scene in Rome, with a quivering voice, as full of thousands of people of all ages, from Canberra and across the world.
''I'm deeply impressed by the range of people that are here to witness this event,'' Mr Lee said.
''There are other saints of course being canonised but the Australian contingent is very, very substantial indeed.''
Staring at a large photograph of St Mary hanging off St Peter's Basilica, Mr Lee likened the experience to an Anzac Day match between Essendon and Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
''Press, nuns, kids and a lot of very elderly people have obviously made a very difficult trip to get to Rome and a very expensive one,'' he said.
Mother Mary was declared a saint 7.45pm yesterday Canberra time in a Vatican ceremony led by Pope Benedict XVI.
Mr Lee was among a small group of students and staff representing the 1650 St Mary MacKillop College students at the canonisation and all believed it to be ''a trip of a lifetime''.
Mr Lee said yesterday's canonisation was the biggest day in the college's short history since it formed in 1998.
The group was proud the life and example of a woman whose values underpinned the teaching mission at the school, was being formally acknowledged.
''Hers is a story of considerable relevance to the students of MacKillop and to young Australians everywhere who are seeking guidance and inspiration to enrich their own lives by leading a life of service to others,'' Mr Lee said.
''The opportunity to lead a group of pilgrims to Rome for the canonisation is a proud moment for me and will be an unforgettable experience for the student leaders.''
For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.
Source: The Canberra Times
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