One of Our Lady’s oldest titles is “Mary, Help of Christians.” St. John Chrysostom used it as far back as 345 A.D.
This Marian title is also tied to Our Lady’s intercession when Christendom fought against her enemies during the Medieval era.
Most importantly, it is connected with the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, in which Christian naval forces were granted a miraculous victory over the much larger forces of the Ottoman Turks. It is hard to emphasize the importance of this battle. Without the victory—brought about through Our Lady’s intercession—Christendom would have been lost.
In 1815, Pope Pius VII named May 24th (the date of his return to Rome a year earlier after being imprisoned by Napoleon) as the feast day of Mary, Help of Christians in thanksgiving for his safe return.
For all these reasons, this Marian title is closely connected with the Church triumphing over her enemies through the protection and intercession of the Blessed Mother.
“Mary, Help of Christians” became the special devotion of St. John Bosco and the Salesian order he founded. He had a Prophetic Vision of the Two Columns in which he saw the Church being saved from the onslaught of her enemies through devotion to Mary, Help of Christians (Sancta Maria Auxilium Christianorum), and the Holy Eucharist.
Here is the prayer composed by St. John Bosco to Mary under this powerful title. We need it now, more than ever.
Pray it daily. Share it with friends and family who are willing to do the same.
Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians by St. John Bosco
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians,
St. John Bosco (1815-1888)
how sweet it is to come to your feet
imploring your perpetual help.
If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children,
how can you, the most loving of all mothers, forget me?
Grant then to me, I implore you,
your perpetual help in all my necessities,
in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations.
I ask for your unceasing help for all who are now suffering.
Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners.
Grant through your intercessions many vocations to the religious life.
Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians,
that having invoked you on earth
we may love and eternally thank you in heaven.
Amen.
How has Our Lady brought you closer to Christ?
Have you had experiences in which she has intervened in your life and been a channel of grace?
We’d love to hear from. Please share in the comments below!
