I'm not one of them.

Not that I have anything against saints, I just reckon that the direct hotline we all have to our Maker should be good enough without needing some saint to intervene.

And, I must admit, this whole saint-making business with its mathematical tally of miracles leaves me scratching my head a bit. That said ...

I entirely respect all of the excitement this week over Mary MacKillop, with the Vatican reportedly suggesting she could become Australia's first saint by Christmas.

I've long been a fan of Mary MacKillop, not so much as the perfect saint but more as the normal, humble, imperfect Aussie who rolled up her sleeves, bravely took on the odds, and achieved more in education, welfare and true Christian ideals than all of the governments put together.

And even though she had more intelligence in her little finger than all the priests and bishops who lied, obstructed and sabotaged her work, she was dignified and respectful toward them to the end.

In fact, one of the reasons I think she is such a unifying force for Australia is that in an era that was known for its nasty sectarian bigotry, she offered a hand across the divide.

When Mary's own Catholic clergy were busy treating her her like pond scum and even tried to break her spirit in 1871 by excommunicating her Protestant and Jewish supporters were among those who kept her fed and safe.

Most people respected the way she lived her faith.

I suspect her example still has something to offer us today.

Particularly as we live in a society increasingly dominated by the cult of celebrity, in which some spoilt, drunken heiress can become famous for being famous.

Mary MacKillop actually did things, built things and moved mountains. And with class.

I dunno about you, but I'm also a bit over the word ``success'' being linked directly to the size of a person's wallet (no matter how dishonestly that money was acquired).

Mary was one of Australia's true success stories, yet she spent her whole life in poverty.

But what a life.

jmcgill@fairfaxmedi a.com.au