The 51st Marian Festival unfolded like a living prayer at Sacred Heart Cathedral on 12 September. From the first hymn to the final blessing, the day whispered a simple truth highlighted by Bishop Emeritus, Leslie Tomlinson: “Faith is found in surprising places”, and that it is through gratitude that we find salvation.
In his homily, Bishop Les reflected on the Gospel of the day: [Luke 17:11–19], where Jesus heals ten lepers, yet only one, the Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. “All were healed,” said Bishop Les, “but salvation came to the one who recognised the gift and offered gratitude … Our salvation is found in recognising the gifts we have been given and knowing to whom we must offer our thanks.” His words wove seamlessly into the celebration of the Eucharist, the ultimate act of thanksgiving, where we come together as one with God and one another:
”… The greatest gift is when we come to the Eucharist, which is a celebration of our thanksgiving, and we say to each other, “You and I are one, and one with God, and that is the heart of the matter.”
Faith and thanksgiving were not only in the readings. It was alive in the hands and hearts of those who brought the Festival to life. Wilma McCormack, who has helped organise the Marian Festival for all 51 years, carries the Festival in her bones. She does this to give others the space to pray, to reflect, and to encounter Mary’s intercession. “Our Lady asks us to pray for peace, to make sacrifices, and to seek her help,” Wilma explains. “It’s about giving people a chance to touch God’s grace. That’s what keeps me working on the Marian Festival.”
Wilma was pleased that seven seminarians participated in the proceedings. “ They brought a sense of dignity and hope,” said Wima. “They carried Our Lady in procession, served at the altar, recited decades of the Rosary, and assisted at Benediction. It was magic.”
Inside the Cathedral, the timing of prayers, hymns and rituals ran like clockwork — hymns of devotion filled the air, the piety stall was bustling, and two people were enrolled in the Scapular of Mount Carmel, a small garment worn over the shoulders as a sign of consecration to Mary and a commitment to live in faith, prayer and virtue. Four priests heard confessions while, outside, the Festival spilled onto the lawns, alive with fellowship, hospitality, and service, from BBQs prepared by the Knights of the Southern Cross to tea, coffee and cakes served by parishioners.
For Wilma, the Marian Festival is more than tradition; it is a living rhythm of prayer and action, a way to help others encounter Mary and God. “We’re only a drop in the ocean,” she reflects, “but if everyone prayed, made sacrifices, and offered their hearts to Mary, imagine the grace that would flow. All comes through her hands to those who ask.”
By day’s end, the Cathedral and lawns echoed with gratitude, hope and devotion — a reminder that faith, gratitude and the Eucharist are intertwined, and that through prayer, service and the intercession of Mary, ordinary people can create moments where God’s grace is tangible, and hearts are drawn closer to Him.
Image above: Marian Festival Procession, courtesy of Paul McCormack Photography.
