Our Patron - St Mary, the Blessed Virgin

Catholics hold the Blessed Virgin Mary in the highest of esteem. This no doubt prompted the early settlers of South Brisbane to name their Church and Parish in her honour.

... the Virgin Mary has always been proposed to the faithful by the Church as an example to be imitated... She is held up as an example to the faithful rather for the way in which, in her own particular life, she fully and responsibly accepted the will of God (cf. Lk. 1:38), because she heard the word of God and acted on it, and because charity and a spirit of service were the driving force of her actions. She is worthy of imitation because she was the first and the most perfect of Christ's disciples.

[#35 Apostolic Exhortation Pope Paul VI Marialis Cultus 1974]

We are proud to have Mary as patron of our parish.

Mary accepted without question God’s invitation to be the mother of His Son, Jesus Christ, while at the same time, being mystified why she had been chosen. She encourages us to accept our role in life, and to follow God’s plan for us.

We can contemplate Mary’s unique place in the Catholic faith by reflecting on the titles bestowed upon her.

Holy Mary,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honour,

Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Heath of the Sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of the Family,
Queen of Peace,

Statue of St Mary

The Parish family of St Mary’s looks to the life of this most holy woman of faith and there we find great inspiration as we live out our call to follow her Son. It is our joy to grow in our knowledge of her life and faith and thus we confidently ask her to intercede for us in prayer.

Archdiocese of Brisbane St Mary's Catholic Parish, South Brisbane

Parish Priest: Reverend Fernanto Pananghat OFM Cap
20 Merivale Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101 | PO Box 3857, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: 07 3844 3806 | Email: southbrisbane@bne.catholic.net.au