Mary Help of Christians

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Australians’ lives, including their worship, the Australian Catholic Bishops have entrusted the country to the care of Mary Help of Christians on her feast day this week.

The motion was agreed to during the bishops’ plenary last week reads:

“That the Australian Bishops entrust Australia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary under the title Our Lady Help of Christians, seeking her intercession for the safety of all our people especially in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.”

Mary Help of Christians has been the official patroness of Australia since 1844. Her feast day is celebrated on May 24, which this year coincides with the Feast of the Ascension. The entrustment of Australia to Mary Help of Christians can therefore take place on 24 or 25 May.

Welcome Archbishop Pat O’Regan

May 25 will hold extra special significance for the Catholic Church in Adelaide this year as The Most Reverend Patrick O’Regan will be installed as the ninth Archbishop of Adelaide. The installation ceremony will take place at 10.30am in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and can be viewed live online at the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide website.

The installation ceremony will be replayed on Channel 44 at 5.30pm that evening.