Mary Help of Christians has been the official patroness of Australia since 1844 and the decision to entrust the country to Mary Help of Christians arose during the plenary meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference held in videoconference mode in the first half of May.
"The Australian bishops - reads the closing motion of the meeting - entrust Australia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary under the title of Our Lady Help of Christians, seeking her intercession for the safety of all our people, especially in this period of the Covid-19 pandemic."
In the message released a few days ago, the prelates also acknowledged that the country "certainly suffered from the pandemic, but not as badly as others in the world ... For this we thank God and congratulate the authorities and governments of public health for the 'quick and prudent responses'."
In the same message, the bishops also noted "anxiety about the virus and closures", and emphasized "a real hunger" for the sacraments by the faithful. At the same time, they urged them to continue adhering to government and health indications and said they are working with authorities on when and how to reopen churches.
In the Salesian community of Brunswick, near Melbourne, State of Victoria, the prayer of entrustment was recited at the end of the Mass on Sunday 24th, also broadcast in streaming, as only a maximum of 10 people can participate in the celebration. Once the celebration was over, Fr Anthony Nguyen, SDB, parish priest of the "St Margaret Mary" church, led the prayer, symbolically accompanied by a family, a nun, and several children.
To date, Covid-19 has caused 7,133 infections and 102 victims in Australia. The country has been in lockdown since late March, although some measures to ease restrictions were envisaged early May.
In the Brunswick community, the church and youth center are still closed, while the hostel is open and hosts internist students, who follow the lessons online like all their colleagues. "We pray forcefully and entrust ourselves to the love and protection of the Lord, Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco," concludes Fr Nguyen.
