This week we celebrated the Feast of Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians.  The Feast Day to Mary Help of Christians has been celebrated in Australia since 1844.  Catholic Australia remained faithfull to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.  Australia became the first country to have a mother cathedral under the same title. We say this prayer to Mary so that she will guide us on this special day.

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.