Mary, the Help of Christians
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.
Mary Help of Christians, Patron of Australia - Office For Justice, Ecology and Peace
Mary Help of Christians is the Patroness 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.
socialjustice.catholic.org.au