Almighty God,

Deepen in our hearts our love of Mary Help of Christians.

Through her prayers and under her protection, may the light of Christ shine over our land.

May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.

Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.

Bless especially the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and their families.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord - Amen.

 Mary Help of Christians. Pray for us.

REC NEWS

On Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. This day commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven and occurs 40 days after Easter. The Ascension marks the end of the Easter season, and Pentecost follows ten days later.

May 24^th is also the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. Mary Help of Christians has been the official patroness of Australia since 1844 and is also the patron saint of the Military Ordinariate. This year, as the feast day coincides with the Feast of the Ascension, it can be celebrated on May 25^th.

As the COVID -19 pandemic continues to affect Australians’ lives, the Catholic bishops decided in a recent Plenary meeting, to entrust the country to the care of Mary Help of Christians on her feast day.

The motion read: “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.” (Catholic Weekly)

May we continue to pray for the safety of our families, friends, community and country during this pandemic, and thank God for the many blessings in our lives. You might like to share the following prayer with your family during the week.