” “"This example of reconciliation offers hope to peoples all over the world who long to see their rights affirmed and their contribution to society acknowledged and promoted", said the Pope, also praising the work of European settlers who have, he said, "always included a significant proportion of Catholics" for the contribution they have made "to the building up of the nation, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare". "One of the most outstanding figures in Australia’s history the Holy Father continued is Blessed Mary McKillop, "at whose tomb I shall pray later this morning". He praised her for her perseverance: "her plea for justice on behalf of those unfairly treated and her practical example of holiness have become he said a source of inspiration for all Australians". And it is just by drawing "inspiration" from the first Australian Blessed, concluded Benedict XVI, that "in today’s more secular environment, the Catholic community continues to make an important contribution to national life, not only through education and healthcare, but especially by highlighting the spiritual dimension of the questions that feature prominently in contemporary debate".” “
