May 24 is the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Help of Christians, an invocation included in the Litany of Loreto since the sixteenth century. Pope Pius VII established the feast in 1815 in thanksgiving for his liberation from captivity under Napoleon. Saint John Bosco greatly spread the devotion, building the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, and under this title Mary is patroness of Australia.
This feast reminds us that Mary intercedes for the Church especially in times of persecution and trial. Her maternal help encourages us to bring our own struggles, and those of the whole Church, confidently to her Son through her prayers.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us; obtain for the Church protection in every trial and lead us always closer to your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →