Aiming to make this compelling story of church politics and Christian service available to all Australians, Lesley O'Brien presents a moving account of the life and times of Mary MacKillop. She reveals the extraordinary story of the 'bold' women behind the veil, once outlawed by the church hierarchy and now held up by the same church as a model for others. Mary is indeed a model of courage and selflessness. Her egalitarian vision and penetrating social conscience have a special relevance for Australians of our own time.With the official recognition of Mary as Australia's first saint, attention turns to the question: 'Who was this woman?' If Australians are to have a saint, they want one of flesh-and-blood, one truly their own. Mary MacKillop, a woman of strength, humour and compassion, does not disappoint.