Popular devotion May 24Patroness of Australia and of the Salesian family

Mary Help of Christians

Mary under the title Don Bosco loved most: the mother who helps the Church and every Christian in times of danger.

Tommaso Lorenzone, Mary Help of Christians (c. 1867), painted at the request of Saint John Bosco, Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Turin. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Who was Mary Help of Christians?

Christians have long called on Mary as their helper. After the victory of the Christian fleet at Lepanto in 1571, which Pope Saint Pius V attributed to the praying of the Rosary, the invocation "Help of Christians, pray for us" became part of the Litany of Loreto. The title took on new meaning in the time of Napoleon, who held Pope Pius VII captive for five years. When the pope returned to Rome in triumph on May 24, 1814, he credited Mary's help and instituted a feast in her honor on that date.

Saint John Bosco made Mary Help of Christians the heart of his work for poor youth in Turin. He built the great Basilica of Mary Help of Christians there, consecrated in 1868, and with Saint Mary Mazzarello founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in 1872. Through the Salesians the devotion spread to every continent, especially Latin America.

Feast day and traditions

Salesian schools, parishes and oratories around the world celebrate May 24 with processions, festivals and the blessing of Mary Help of Christians. She is the principal patroness of Australia, where the day is a solemnity, and Pope Benedict XVI made May 24 a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, honoring Our Lady of Sheshan under this title.

Prayer

Mary Help of Christians, mother of the young and protector of the Church, help us in our needs and lead us safely to your Son. Amen.

Novena

To pray a novena that ends on the eve of the feast, begin on May 15 and finish on May 23.

Mass readings

Read the Mass readings for May 24 from the US bishops (USCCB).

Open readings →

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We'll remind you of the feast

Get an email before May 24 with the saint's story, prayer and a greeting ready to send.

Celebrate as a family

Pray the short prayer "Mary Help of Christians, pray for us" together each night this week, and do something kind for a young person who needs encouragement.

Wish someone a happy feast day

Send a greeting with this saint's story and prayer.