MARY OUR LADY - PATRON OF AUSTRALIA
Reflection - Feast Day 24th May
Since the Middle-Ages, the Church has devoted the month of May to Mary. In May, there are also three Marian feasts that are celebrated which help us to understand what Mary can teach us about being disciples.
The feast day of Mary Help of Christians has been celebrated in Australia since 1844. In those early and mostly priestless days, it was largely the Rosary that kept the faith alive. Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary, and was the first nation to choose her, under the title of Help of Christians, as it’s Patron.
With maternal love for us, Mary wants what is best for us - she wants Jesus for us, so she urges us, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). Then she helps us as we lead others to know and love her Son too. Her feasts empower us to love Jesus and others with a greater love.
Mary Help of Christians patroness of Australia
Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
