A Call to Protect and Heal Under the Guidance of Mary

Each year, the month of May holds a special place in the life of the Church as the Month of Mary. It is a time when we turn to Our blessed Mother, who shows us what love looks like when it is lived with humility, courage and trust in God. Here in Australia, May is also Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Mary shows us what authentic love looks like. And Domestic and Family Violence reveals what love is not. The statistics are confronting. In just the first three months of this year, 14 women and 5 children have lost their lives due to domestic and family violence. In 2025, more than 22,000 Domestic Violence Orders were issued. One in four women, and one in fourteen men, experience abuse by an intimate partner.

Behind each statistic, behind each of these numbers is a person, someone’s daughter, son, friend, or parent. Often, these stories unfold quietly, behind closed doors.

As a Church, we are called not to look away. In this Sunday’s readings we hear of Philip going into a wounded place and proclaiming Christ. People are healed, lives are restored, and there is great rejoicing. It is a reminder that God often begins the work of healing through the care and presence of others.

Mary embodies this same reality when she visits Elizabeth, she brings Christ with her and her presence brings joy and encouragement. Mary goes out, attentive to the needs of others. That is the kind of community we are called to be.

For those who are hurting, Mary is a gentle mother who draws near. She knows what it is to live with uncertainty, to face fear, and to stand at the foot of the Cross. In her adversity, she does not abandon her faith. Through Mary’s example we see the tenderness and strength of God’s love.

We are invited to follow in her example and be people who notice, people who listen without judgement, people who create spaces where others feel safe enough to speak. Sometimes this means helping someone take a step toward support. Sometimes it is simply being present. Sometimes it is having the courage to say, “This is not okay.”

Jesus says in the Gospel, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” At the heart of those commandments is love, and we know deep down that real love never harms. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love honours the dignity of the other (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). It does not control, intimidate, or create fear. Where there is violence or abuse, something has gone deeply wrong.

This month, as we pray the Rosary, as we as we grow in our love for Christ through the example of Mother Mary we are also invited to examine the way we love: within our families, our relationships, and our community.

Alongside all the Parishes in Brisbane, we mark the month of May as a time to raise awareness, support those affected, and encourage all people to play their part in building a culture of safety and respect. We also remember in prayer those working on the frontline: counsellors, advocates, police, and support services who walk daily with those impacted by domestic and family violence.

May Mary our Mother, intercede for all who are suffering. May she guide us to be a Church that reflects the heart of her Son. So that, shaped by that love, we may be a community where people are safe, dignity is upheld, and no one has to suffer in silence.

With prayerful support,

Fr Gerard Lai