(Instituted 1815) This title of Mary, which in Latin is “Auxilium Christianorum,” was particularly popular with the Salesians after their founder, Saint John Bosco, dedicated their premiere church to this patronage. The feast was first instituted by Pope Pius VII after some trouble with Napoleon. The title itself can be found in use in the late 16th century in an early version of the Litany of Loreto, a prayer invoking Mary’s intercession under several meaningful titles. Some sources suggest it might have come from warriors returning from the battle of Lepanto, a key Christian victory against the Ottoman Empire in 1571.
We need help (Steps 1 and 2). We turn to God and the entire Communion of Saints for inspiration and assistance (Steps 3 and 11). Mary, Help of Christians is the clearest model of seeking Christ and our greatest intercessor.
“Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord God, that we, your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy, through Christ our Lord. Amen” (Litany of Loreto).
Reflection by Brad Farmer