The excommunication of Mary MacKillop in September 1871 has been a source of wonder, amazement and mystery especially in the extra publicity given by her canonisation in 2010.

This fourth collection of letters aims to provide some of the background to the Josephite story from 1869 when Mary was preparing to leave with the first community of Sisters for Queensland. During her absence from Adelaide she received many letters from Fr Woods who continued to give spiritual instruction and discuss plans for future ministries of the Sisters of St Joseph. She responded at length to these letters.

Mary's letters, especially the ones written after her excommunication, are a powerful insight into her growth as a woman, a Sister of St Joseph and a saint.