Newsletter 6: 16 May 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Mary Help of Christians, Patron of Australia

24 May

The Feast of Mary Help of Christians was established by Pope Pius VII in 1815. After being imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte, he established the feast in thanksgiving for the day of his liberation on 24 May 1814. Australia, a new colony at that time, had no Catholic priests and therefore no Mass available. The faithful recited and relied on the Rosary to sustain the Catholic community. In 1844, Australia became the first country in the world to have Mary Help of Christians as Patroness. Interestingly, the Feast Day coincided with the celebrations of the birthday of Queen Victoria who reigned from 1837–1901, and Empire Day from 1903 until 1958. Public expressions of connection and commitment to the British Empire were not necessarily the priority of the largely Irish Catholics of Australia, so the Feast of Mary Help of Christians was prayerfully and enthusiastically embraced. Unlike those of the Empire, this Australian Catholic celebration is maintained to this day.

In the Prayer for Mary Help of Christians, the Church prays that through Mary’s intercession God will “grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens”, so that “under her protection Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace”.

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.

As the weeks and months draw nearer to the upcoming referendum on an indigenous voice to Parliament, debates continue across the country among people of enormous good will and considerable intellect. Catholic Social Services Australia and Catholic Social Services Victoria are hosting a three part webinar series titled Moments for healing this country.

The Webinar series invites participants to learn from legal, historical and theological experts and hear Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their experiences, hopes and concerns for the referendum providing a rare opportunity for an informed dialogue on this vital issue for our nation.

All Marist educators are strongly encouraged to become involved and promote this opportunity among your own school communities.