In the complicated network of human events, Christian peoples have frequently experienced in the course of history the practical help of the Virgin Mary, especially in moments of particular difficulty for the life of the Church. Thus has been added a further title to the Mother of God: “Help of Christians”. The date chosen for the feast was May 24, the day on which Pope Pius VII returned to Rome after his miraculous liberation from prison in 1814.
Saint John Bosco saw in the invocation “Help of Christians” a wonderful summation of the mystery of the Blessed Virgin in the Church's plan of salvation; indeed he was prompted to write: “The experience of eighteen centuries demonstrates in a most vivid way that Mary continues most effectively from heaven her maternal and helping mission in the Church which she began on earth” (Maraviglie della Madre di Dio, 1868, p. 45).
Faithful to the spirit and mission of Don Bosco, the Salesian Family willingly accepts the guidance and support of the Virgin's motherly presence, and is thus helped to work more generously for the Lord and bear witness to God's love for the young.
- From the Proper Masses of the Salesian Family
Click here to see a video message from Sr. Rosann Ruiz, our Western Province Provincial. May this Feast Day be a day on which we entrust ourselves even more to the protection of Mary Help of Christians.
CONSECRATION OF THE HOME TO OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
Most holy Virgin Mary, appointed by God to be the Help of Christians, we choose you as the Mother and Protectress of our home.
We ask you to favor us with your powerful protection. Preserve our home from every danger – from fire, flood, lightning, storm, earthquake, thieves, vandals, and from every other danger.
Bless us, protect us, defend us. Keep as your own, all the people who dwell in this home. Protect them from all accidents and misfortunes, but above all, obtain for them the most important grace of avoiding sin.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for all those who live in this home which is consecrated to you for all time. Amen.
