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Saturday 24th of May - Mary, Help of Christians 

On the 24th May we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. The Marian title, Mary, Help of Christians, is closely associated with the intercession of the Blessed Mother, particularly during the Medieval era and in times of battle and hardship. In the 19th Century, Pope Pius VII named May 24 the date of his triumphal return to Rome after experiencing imprisonment by Napoleon, as the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, in gratitude to our Lady for his safe return. 

Australia, a new colony at the time, had no Catholic priests and therefore no Mass available. The faithful recited and relied on the Rosary to sustain the Catholic community and keep the faith alive. In 1844, Australia became the first country in the world to celebrate Mary Help of Christians as Patroness. St Mary’s Cathedral was dedicated to her honour by the Irish pioneer priest, Father John Therry, additionally being the first country to have a mother-cathedral under the same title.

Prayer to Mary is a way of being drawn towards Jesus. We pray to Mary, help of 

Christians to be our guide and intercede on our behalf.

Pentecost Sunday - 8th June 2025

As we move through the liturgical season of Easter, we come to one of the most significant moments in the Church’s calendar - Pentecost. 

Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, empowering them to go forth and spread the Good News to all nations (Acts 2:1–4). It is a powerful reminder of God's ongoing presence in our lives and the strength we receive through the Holy Spirit.

In our lives today, the Holy Spirit is not confined to a moment in history; rather, it continues to move in our lives, guiding, comforting, and inspiring us to live with courage and compassion. 

At Pentecost, the apostles were transformed into messengers of love and truth. In the same way, we too are called to be people of hope and action. The gifts of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, equip us to face challenges, make just decisions, and be advocates for peace and inclusion in our communities.

Pentecost invites us to slow down and listen to God's Spirit working in our hearts and homes. During the season of Pentecost, take the time to engage in one of the following: 

1. Pray to the Holy Spirit

• Ask for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life (wisdom, understanding, courage, etc.).

2. Wear Red or Decorate with Red

• Red symbolises the fire of the Holy Spirit.
• Wear red to Mass or decorate your home prayer space with red candles or cloth.

3. Read the Pentecost Story (Acts 2:1–4)

• Reflect on how the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles and how that impacts the Church today.

4. Celebrate with a Special Meal

• Host a simple meal with symbolic foods (e.g. red fruits, flame-shaped biscuits, or dove-shaped decorations). Share what the Holy Spirit means to each family member.

5. Do an Act of Kindness

• Be inspired by the Spirit to serve others, help a neighbour, support a charity, or write a note of encouragement.

The St Francis Xavier community will be celebrating the ‘birthday of the Church’ on Thursday, 5th of June to acknowledge this special time in the Liturgical Year.