Homily given by Bishop Anthony Randazzo
Bishop of Broken Bay
Solemnity of Mary, Star of the Sea
31 May 2025
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you on this blessed Solemnity of Mary, Star of the Sea, a feast that is so dear to the heart of our diocesan family in Broken Bay.
Today we stand at the shorelines of grace, looking out upon the vast ocean of God’s love, and we lift our eyes to the gentle light of Mary, our Mother and our Star. The sea, with all its majesty and mystery, is often a symbol of life’s uncertainties, of change, challenge, and the unknown. And yet, for seafarers and pilgrims throughout the ages, there has always been a light in the heavens, a guiding star, a beacon of hope: Mary, the Star of the Sea.
In our first reading from Wisdom, we hear the profound words: “But your providence, Father, steers it, since you gave a pathway even through the sea and a safe way over the waves.” (Wisdom 14:3–4)
Is that not what Mary is for us? A sign of God’s providence in the storm? A vessel of grace steering us toward safe harbours, not by her own power, but always pointing the way to Jesus, her Son, our Saviour.
Mary never draws attention to herself. As Star of the Sea, she does what every true star does: she leads us. She points beyond herself to the brighter light of Christ, who is our Way, our Truth, and our Life.
We hear again today the angel’s words to Mary in the Gospel of Luke: “Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) And we hear her courageous response: “Let what you have said be done to me.” (Luke 1:38) With these few words, Mary opened the door to salvation for the whole world. Her yes, her fiat, was the beginning of something utterly new: a life of love, obedience, and service, not only for herself, but for all of humanity.
Here in Broken Bay, this solemnity invites us to begin again. It calls each of us: clergy, religious, Christ’s lay faithful to a new life in Jesus Christ. It reminds us that, like Mary, we are called to listen for the voice of God and to respond with courage and love. Our mission as a Church is not just to keep the faith, but to set sail with it, into the world, into the deep.
And we do not sail alone.
Mary, Star of the Sea, leads the People of God in Broken Bay with tender care. She listens with a mother’s affection. She intercedes for us with unfailing support, and her very life is a witness to the divine grace and holiness that God desires for each of us.
In this Holy Year dedicated to hope, Mary’s light shines all the more brightly. She is the Star of Hope, leading us not to herself, but to Jesus, our true Hope. Mary draws our gaze upward and forward, toward Christ, whose love conquers fear, whose light scatters darkness, and whose resurrection makes all things new.
So today, my dear people, with confidence we renew our trust in her intercession. We entrust our families, our communities, our vocations, and our mission as the Church of Broken Bay to Mary, Star of the Sea. And let us follow where she leads, straight to Jesus, who alone is our refuge, our anchor, and our eternal home. Amen.