Perhaps you’re seeking a spiritual journey. Maternal Heart of Mary Parish offers a unique experience. It is the personal parish for the traditional Latin Mass in Sydney.
Maternal Heart of Mary operates with the Archbishop’s blessing. The Priestly Fraternity of St Peter or FSSP provides its pastoral care. The parish was canonically erected on August 15 2013. Cardinal George Pell founded it. Maternal Heart of Mary is the youngest parish in the archdiocese.
Here at Maternal Heart of Mary, you will find full access to the Mass. Sacraments and sacramentals follow the ancient Roman liturgy. These liturgical books date back to 1962. Everything is offered with solemnity and reverence. The parish prides itself on fidelity. It emphasizes the theology of St Thomas Aquinas and the early Church Fathers.
The faithful come from all backgrounds. They represent many cultures and language groups. During Mass, they unite. They pray “with one voice” in Latin. This is the venerable ancient language of Holy Mother Church.
Maternal Heart of Mary desires solemn liturgy. Music holds special importance. Gregorian chant is a highlight. You may also hear polyphony and traditional Catholic hymnody. A committed group of laymen forms a Schola Cantorum. There is also a mixed choir. Our Lady of Ransom’s women’s choir is unique. It’s the only all-female Early Music liturgical choir in the southern hemisphere. A team of young men generously serves at the altar.
Beyond the liturgy, Maternal Heart of Mary offers much more. There are weekly catechetical classes for children and adults. Spiritual direction and marriage preparation are available. Many opportunities exist for social interaction. The laity actively participate in daily parish life.
Currently, Fr Duncan Wong FSSP is the parish priest. He is assisted by Fr Noel Soares FSSP and Fr Richard Wallace FSSP. The parish presbytery is nearby. It’s located in Petersham. This also serves as a novitiate house of studies. It is called Ezechiel House. Young men discern a vocation to the priesthood here. They study in the context of traditional liturgy. The Church’s praxis and teaching guide them.
Every Sunday Mass at Maternal Heart of Mary starts with the Asperges. The congregation chants it. The Mass ends with a chanted Sub Tuum. This honors Our Lady of the Maternal Heart. Throughout the Mass, people chant Latin responses. They sing the Kyrie, Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.
Before and after Mass on Sundays, join the chanted Divine Offices. These are Terce and Sext. After Thursday Mass, the laity chant Compline. After Mass, everyone shares refreshments. Enjoy friendly conversation in the Chapel’s courtyard.
Our liturgies are enhanced by two groups. The Schola Cantorum and the Choir of St Radegund lead us. They support the singing of the congregation at sung Mass. They use authentic Gregorian Chant. At times, they include traditional Latin Hymns. Renaissance polyphony also features.
Our Sung Mass is a treasure. It happens every Sunday and Thursday. It expresses our communal Catholic heritage. It is rooted in liturgical symbolism. It is austere yet rich, solemn yet joyful. The whole community participates. They pray, respond, chant and perform sacred actions. Much prayerful time ensures laity involvement.
Maternal Heart of Mary invites you to experience tradition. It offers a vibrant community. It cherishes the ancient liturgy. It welcomes all who seek a deeper connection with their faith.