“A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children…” (Matthew 2:18).
The horrific massacre of boys aged under two by the order of Herod following the birth of Jesus Christ remains one of the most chilling accounts in history.
Each year on 28 December, Catholics far and wide remember the young martyrs – known as the Holy Innocents. The usual white vestments worn at Christmas are replaced by red, symbolising martyrdom.
Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents, Kellyville. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
In the Diocese of Parramatta, a Mass, Eucharistic Procession and Benediction of the most Blessed Sacrament takes place from Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Kellyville to the Franciscan Shrine of Holy Innocents.
The architectural award-winning shrine, funded by the local faith community, is located on the grounds of the Conventual Franciscan Friary of Mount Saint Francis and is also one of the three pilgrimage sites announced by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, for Jubilee 2025.
The 2024 Mass was celebrated by the parish’s current rector, Fr Paschal Corby OFM Conv, who is also a Professor at Notre Dame and a great defender of life.
Fresco art in the Shrine. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Fr Paschal echoed the words of St Augustine in his homily when he said, “Never, in fact, would that impious tyrant have been able to benefit these children by the sweetest kindness as much as he has done by his hatred. For as today’s feast reveals, in the measure with which malice in all its fury was poured out upon the holy children, did heaven’s blessing stream down upon them.”
Fr Paschal added, “Where sin increases, grace abounds all the more.”
“The evil in this world is no match for God’s infinite love.”
Br Louis Mary Schmid led the prayers and hymns during the Eucharistic Procession over fresh rose petals.
Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Kellyville for the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The feast day and gathering of individuals and families, including children, recognised the dignity of the unborn child and the sanctity of life.
Br Louis said a few words following the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament under the outdoor Chapel of St Anthony of Padua, with prayer intentions for the New Year.
He prayed for politicians that they may be “defenders of God’s law and morality”, as well as for the world’s leaders.
The feast day concluded with Br Louis leading grace, before a bountiful shared lunch in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine Undercroft.
Fr Paschal Corby OFM Conv. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The Fransiscan Shrine of Holy Innocents offered much to see and explore – a place of solitude in today’s busy world – as well as many opportunities for reflection and prayer.
Key places to explore included the Garden of the Immaculate, the 14 Stations of the Cross sculptures (on an almost life-size scale), the four intricate religious mosaic portraits that adorn the Shrine (each having taken three months to complete), as well as the Shrine itself, featuring an exquisite dome fresco artwork depicting the Virgin Mary, mother of God, with St Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of the Pro-Life movement.
People gathered for the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at the St Anthony of Padua Chapel. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The Shrine (and church) also featured the relics of many well-known saints, including St Maximilian Kolbe, St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, St Francis of Assisi, St Clare, and many others.
It was a perfect location for prayer, stillness, community, and celebrating the dignity of life.
Take a pilgrimage to the shrine during Jubilee 2025. The shrine is open every day 7am-6pm, all welcome. More information about the Jubilee year in the Diocese of Parramatta is found here https://parracatholic.org/jubilee2025/
View the photo gallery of the 2024 Feast Day Mass, Eucharistic Procession and gathering.
