Mary Help of Christians Prayer
Introduction
Today, in anticipation of 24 May, we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Help of Christians, the Patroness of Australia and of the Salesian Family. This feast day was set for 24 May by Pope Pius VII in 1814 in memory of his return to Rome after his imprisonment under Napoleon.
In the life of Jesus, and in the life of the Church, Mary has been a great HELP in many difficult situations, like the time when Mary asked Jesus for help when the wine ran out at a wedding reception in Cana. In Australia, at the beginning of the European settlement, the first Irish Catholics prayed to Mary for help. And so too do we pray to Mary for her HELP in 2020, a year of such uncertainty during this global pandemic.
Mary was a woman of great faith, who trusted God and his promises. She was also Saint John Bosco’s guide and teacher. Today, we are asked to pause and reflect on the words of Don Bosco: ‘Whoever puts their trust in Mary Help of Christians will never be disappointed.’
And so we pray:
Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Mary, our Mother,
You responded to the call of God with faith and courage.
Help us to express our faith with honesty
Help us to remain faithful in difficult times
Help us to discover meaning and purpose in the events of our lives
Help us to find healing in times of hurt
Help us to be gentle, reasonable and loving in all our relationships
Help us to be compassionate in the face of indifference
Help us to bring joy and hope into our lives and the lives of others
Help us to live lives of practical love.
Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Loving Father,
As we pause to reflect on all those impacted by the pandemic, grant them the strength of Mary to remain faithful during these difficult times.
Lord hear us.
Lord hear our prayer.
Loving Father,
We remember all those in our community who have lost loved ones during this time of isolation. Give them the faith of Mary to cope with their distress.
Lord hear us.
Lord hear our prayer.
Loving Father,
As we begin to consider a more certain future, give us the compassion and gentleness of Mary, to bring joy and hope to others.
Lord hear us.
Lord hear our prayer.
Loving Father,
As we plan our return to school, give us the courage of Mary to embrace the joy of being together again.
Lord hear us.
Lord hear our prayer.
Conclusion
Mary was such a strong woman aware of events and concerned about the sufferings of others. Let us, too, follow Mary’s example in being good people to all those around us and, when we are troubled and anxious, to remember to ponder, reflect and pray as Mary did.
Mary Help of Christians,
Pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.