Faith and Mission

Leo McInerney 

Assistant to the Principal - Faith and Mission 

Mary Help of Christians.

 Two  days after we start a “new” start at Marian we celebrate a very important feast dedicated to Mary that being the feast of  “Mary Help of Christians.” It has been celebrated in Australia since 1844 but the history to this day dates back to the start of the 1800’s.

Napoleon Bonaparte had jailed Pope  Pius VI who died in jail. When Pope Pius VII was elected he too was jailed by Bonaparte. The Holy Father vowed to God that if he were restored to Rome, he would institute a special feast in honour of Mary.

The Pope was freed on 24 May 1814. Twelve months later the Pope decreed that the feast of Mary Help of Christians be kept on 24 May.

The infant church 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. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive.

Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.

Remote Mass

Robert Frost, a famous English poet said,

 “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”

As did the spiritual life at Marian College last Friday when we celebrated a special Mass, albeit remotely, dedicated to our mothers before Mother’s day. We were blessed with the presence of Bishop Mark Edwards who celebrated a beautiful, prayerful Eucharist in the College Chapel. Two of our student Liturgy Captains and two choir members were in attendance as well as Mrs Natalie Gatt, who delivered a moving reflection after the First Reading.

For anyone who has not had the opportunity to view this very prayer opportunity I encourage you to view it on the College Facebook page and I am sure we are all looking forward to the time the whole College community can once again all come together to celebrate a Mass together.