What is Mary Help of Christians?

A Marian title spread by St. John Bosco, who consecrated his educational work to Mary Help of Christians in Turin in the nineteenth century.

Our Lady Help of Christians

Feast day: May 24

Marian title of St. John Bosco — Mother who aids Christians and the Church.

The title Mary Help of Christians dates to early Christian communities but was especially spread by St. John Bosco in the nineteenth century.

In 1863 Bosco consecrated his educational work in Turin to Mary Help of Christians, entrusting poor youth to her care.

In 1868 he inaugurated the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, which became a worldwide pilgrimage center.

Pope Pius VII instituted the feast in 1815 after victory over Napoleon, thanking Mary for aiding the Church.

Devotion spread through Salesian houses worldwide as an invocation of help in difficult times.

Her liturgical feast is May 24. She is patroness of the Salesians and of youth in danger.

To the Mother who aids Christians, we ask protection for the Church, families, and youth.