Mary Help of Christians: the title, the feast of May 24, and Don Bosco
Mary Help of Christians – Our Lady, Help of Christians – is one of the most widespread Marian invocations, especially through the work of Saint John Bosco and the Salesian family. Her feast is celebrated on May 24. This guide explains the origin of the title and the devotion.
The title “Help of Christians”
The invocation “Help of Christians” (Auxilium Christianorum) is part of the Litany of Loreto. It was added by Saint Pius V in thanksgiving for the victory of Lepanto (1571), attributed to the intercession of Mary invoked with the Rosary.
The feast of May 24
Pope Pius VII established the feast of Mary Help of Christians on May 24, in thanksgiving for his liberation and return to Rome (1814), after the captivity imposed by Napoleon.
Saint John Bosco and the Salesians
Don Bosco (1815-1888) made Mary Help of Christians the patroness of his work and built for her the great basilica in Turin. Through the Salesians, the devotion spread throughout the world – and very particularly through Brazil, where Mary Help of Christians is dearly loved. Don Bosco used to say that Mary “did everything” in his work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the feast of Mary Help of Christians?
On May 24.
What is the connection with Don Bosco?
Saint John Bosco was the great propagator of the devotion and made Mary Help of Christians the patroness of the Salesians.
See also
Would you like to study Mariology seriously?
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