Prayer

Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians

The Feast Day of St Mary Help of Christians is celebrated on 26th May 2026.  

The establishment of the feast has an interesting history, and a unique place in the Catholic history of Australia. The feast focuses 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 in1815. After being imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte, he established the feast in thanksgiving for his release. Australia, which was 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.  

Our school will hold a whole school Rosary on Monday 25th May for the Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians.

Prayer

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.

Nathan Fitzgerald

Catholic Identity and Mission Leader