MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS - Patroness of Australia (24 May)

Next Tuesday Christians celebrate the feast day Mary Help of Christians. This day has been celebrated in Australia since 1844 but its history dates back to the start of the 1800's at a time when Napoleon Bonaparte had gaoled Pope Pius VII and kept him prisoner at Fontainebleau. The Pope vowed to God that if he were set free, he would declare a special feast in honour of Mary. Pope Pius was released on 24 May, 1814 and he returned to Rome. Twelve months later he decreed that the Feast of Our Lady Mary Help of Christians be kept on 24 May.

The new Church (Catholics) in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. No priests were sent to the colony in its early days and Mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. People prayed the Rosary in those early days to keep their faith alive.

The Australian Catholic community remained faithful to Mary and Australia was the first nation to choose her as its Patron Saint - under the title, 'Mary Help of Christians'.

Today we live in a very fragile world and need all the help we can get. Mary – who is closer to God than any other human being – has a great deal to teach us about courage, faithfulness, compassion, humbleness and love. She is truly a ‘helper of Christians’. Let us remember to call on her for help.

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.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.

Mary is also the patron saint of our school and so she holds a special place in our hearts. We look to Mary as our guide in striving for excellence in all we do: in our work, our play, our praying, our reaching out to serve others.

Winter Appeal 2022

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD by supporting our Mini Vinnies WINTER APPEAL

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens/beanies/scarves
• Coats
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/doonas
• Non-perishable food items

 (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

Let us strive for excellence in answering Jesus’ call to help others…