Mary Help of Christians, Patron of Australia

Mary Help of Christians is the Patroness of Australia. The establishment of the feast has an interesting history, and a unique place in the Catholic history of Australia. The feast focusses on Mary’s help to those in need through her intercession to confront sin and to stand against anti-Christian forces.  

Pope Pius VII established the feast in honour of Our Lady Help of Christians in
1815. After being imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte, he established the feast in
thanksgiving for his release. 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.  
– From the ACBC Resource Entrusting Australia to Mary Help of Christians, 2020. 

Learn more here:

Prayer:

Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia  
and of the Military Ordinariate 
 
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. 

Artwork:

Mary Help of Christians – Artist Unknown

Music:

Sing of Lady by Liam Lawton