Reflection

Do you ever feel like you could use some help approaching God in your prayers? 

When we ask Mary to pray for us, we honour and worship her Son, who is more than happy to listen to His mother's pleas on our behalf. Catholic prayer is not really directed to Mary in the way that it is directed to God. Therefore, she is seen as a go-between, speaking to God on behalf of us.

This form of prayer, known as Marian prayer, invites us to ask Mary for her assistance and her grace, especially when we feel most troubled in our daily lives.

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 except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely the Rosary in those early days that kept the faith alive. The Australian Catholic community remained faithful to Mary and Australia was the first nation to choose her under the title, 'Mary Help of Christians' as principle Patroness. Our Lady has often been invoked in times of religious strife under the title of Help of Christians. The first Australian provincial synod held in Sydney in 1844 placed the Church in Australia under Mary’s patronage invoked by the title Help of Christians. This solemn feast, which is next Tuesday 27 May, is an occasion to seek Mary’s help and protection for our Church and for our nation.  

At Nazareth College, we can particularly keep in mind the homeless and those doing it tough this winter. The College Vinnies Group is conducting a winter appeal to help those affected. We can assist through prayer by praying the Rosary especially in May – the month of Mary. Students are praying the Rosary during Religious Education classes.

For all of us, may we continue to assist the homeless and those who are struggling to make ends meet this winter by supporting the Vinnies Winter Appeal. May we continue to assist those who have suffering from the coronavirus through prayer and action. May we pray for our nation, that wise leaders will come to office in the Federal election. May we always be able to ask Mary for her assistance and her grace, in whatever difficulties we are experiencing in our daily lives.

Holy Family of Nazareth – Be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth – Help us to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge.