Melbourne, Australia, 25 May 2021 -- In the evening of 24 May, Salesians in Melbourne gathered at the Province Centre to celebrate the solemnity of Mary Help of Christians with a Eucharist led by the Provincial, Fr Will Matthews SDB.

As well as being the patroness of the Salesian Society, Mary Help of Christians is also the patroness of Australia since 1844. Unlike other years, the feast of Mary Mother of the Church also falls on 24 May in 2021 coinciding with Mary Help of Christians. Mary Mother of the Church is usually celebrated on Monday after Pentecost.

During the Eucharist, Salesians who celebrate religious and ordination anniversaries were specially remembered. Two Salesians also celebrate their birthdays on 24 May in the Australia-Pacific Province.

During the homily, the Provincial stressed that like Mary, Salesians must focus their reliance on God in their mission to proclaim as Mary ‘The Almighty has done great things for me, Holy is His name!’

A celebratory dinner followed the Eucharist prepared by the Ascot Vale Provincial Community.

It is the first time in almost two years that many Salesians in Melbourne have been able to get together due to strict COVID restrictions in the State of Victoria and especially its capital, Melbourne.