Mary Help of Christians: The title, the feast on May 24th, and St. John Bosco
Mary Help of Christians – Our Lady of Assistance to Christians – is one of the most widespread Marian invocations, especially through the efforts of Saint John Bosco and the Salesian family. Her feast day is celebrated on May 24th. This guide explains the origin of the title and devotion.
The Title “Help of Christians”
The invocation “Help of Christians” (Auxilium Christianorum) is part of the Loreto Litany. It was added by Saint Pius V as a thanksgiving for the victory at Lepanto (1571), attributed to the intercession of Mary invoked with the Rosary.
The Feast on May 24th
Pope Pius VII established the feast day of Mary Help of Christians on May 24th as a thanksgiving for her liberation and return to Rome in 1814 after captivity imposed by Napoleon.
Saint John Bosco and the Salesians
Dom Bosco (1815-1888) made Mary Help of Christians the patroness of his work and built her a grand basilica in Turin. Through the Salesians, devotion spread worldwide – particularly in Brazil, where Mary Help of Christians is immensely beloved. Dom Bosco often said that Mary “did everything” in his work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the feast day of Mary Help of Christians?
May 24th.
What is Dom Bosco’s connection to her?
Saint John Bosco was the primary promoter of the devotion and made Mary Help of Christians the patroness of the Salesians.
See Also
- Mary’s Royalty
- The Loreto Litany
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