St. John Bosco’s Devotion to Mary Help of Christians

St. John Bosco, fondly known as Don Bosco, was a 19th-century Italian priest whose profound devotion to Mary Help of Christians shaped his life and legacy. His love for the Blessed Virgin under this title not only inspired his mission to educate and uplift disadvantaged youth but also left a lasting impact on the universal Church through the Salesian Family. This article explores the historical roots of the title “Mary Help of Christians,” Don Bosco’s journey in embracing this devotion, his efforts to honor her, and practical ways to emulate his example.

The Historical Roots of Mary Help of Christians

The title “Mary Help of Christians” (Maria Auxilium Christianorum) has deep roots in Catholic tradition, appearing in the Litany of Loreto as early as the 16th century. Its prominence grew through significant historical events where Mary’s intercession was believed to protect Christians during times of crisis. In 1571, the Christian victory over the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Lepanto was attributed to Mary’s intercession, prompted by widespread recitation of the Rosary. Similarly, in 1683, the liberation of Vienna from Ottoman forces was credited to her under this title, reinforcing her role as a protector of the faith. In 1814, Pope Pius VII, after being freed from Napoleonic imprisonment, instituted the feast of Mary Help of Christians on May 24 to commemorate his return to Rome, formalizing the devotion in gratitude for her aid.

Don Bosco’s Journey to Devotion

Don Bosco’s devotion to Mary Help of Christians was deeply rooted in his upbringing and spiritual experiences. Born in 1815 in Becchi, Italy, he was raised by his devout mother, Mamma Margaret, who instilled in him a love for Mary through her prayers and daily example. At the age of nine, Don Bosco had a pivotal dream in which the Virgin Mary appeared as a shepherdess, guiding him to his vocation of working with youth. This dream, which he considered a divine directive, marked the beginning of his lifelong relationship with Mary as his guide and protector.

His devotion took a definitive form in the turbulent context of 19th-century Italy (1848–1870), a period marked by anticlerical laws, the spread of secularism, and challenges to the Church. In 1862, Don Bosco expressed to his collaborator, Fr. Cagliero, that “Our Lady wants us to honor her under the title of Mary Help of Christians. The times are so sad that we need the Holy Virgin to help us preserve and defend the Christian faith.” This conviction was solidified by his experiences and the Church’s struggles, leading him to champion this title as a beacon of hope and protection.

Don Bosco’s Contributions in Honor of Mary Help of Christians

Don Bosco’s devotion was not merely personal but expressed through concrete actions that spread this devotion worldwide:

Construction of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians: Inspired by dreams in 1844 and 1845, where Mary indicated the site of martyrdom of Saints Adventor, Solutor, and Octavius in Turin, Don Bosco began building the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in 1863. Despite having only a few pennies initially, he trusted in Mary’s providence, declaring, “The Madonna will see to the payment for her church.” The basilica was completed in 1868, funded by countless small offerings and reported miracles attributed to Mary’s intercession. Don Bosco stated, “Every stone, every ornament, represents one of her graces.” He also commissioned a majestic painting for the basilica, depicting Mary with the Child Jesus, surrounded by apostles and evangelists, symbolizing her role as protector of the Church.
Founding the Salesian Family: Don Bosco placed his religious congregations under Mary’s protection. In 1869, he established the Association of the Devotees of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) to promote devotion to her and the Blessed Sacrament. He founded the Salesians of Don Bosco and, with St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to educate youth, emphasizing Mary’s maternal guidance. The Salesian Cooperators, a lay group, also carried forward this mission. Don Bosco saw these institutions as “foundations desired and watched over by her.”
Promoting Devotion Through Prayer and Example: Don Bosco encouraged simple, heartfelt prayers like “Mary Help of Christians, pray for us,” urging his boys and Salesians to recite it frequently. He attributed numerous miracles—such as healings and conversions—to her intercession, famously saying, “Trust in Mary and you will know what miracles are.” His writings, like the Month of May (1858), emphasized Mary’s role as Mother and Helper, encouraging imitation of her virtues.
Miracles and Pastoral Care: Don Bosco attributed many miracles to Mary Help of Christians, such as the healing of a blind girl, Maria Stardero, in 1867, and the recovery of boys from smallpox in Lanzo. He consistently gave credit to Mary, saying, “She did everything” or “It wasn’t me, it was the Virgin Help of Christians who saved you.” These acts reinforced his belief in her active presence.

Emulating Don Bosco’s Devotion to Mary Help of Christians

To live like Don Bosco in devotion to Mary Help of Christians, we can draw inspiration from his practical, pastoral, and faith-filled approach, which remains relevant today:

Cultivate a Personal Relationship with Mary: Don Bosco’s devotion was rooted in a living relationship with Mary as a person, not just a title. He saw her as a mother and guide, as evident in his dreams and teachings. We can emulate this by praying daily to Mary Help of Christians, using prayers like the Rosary, the Litany of Loreto, or Don Bosco’s own prayer: “O Mary, Help of Christians, grant your perpetual help in all my necessities, in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations.” Regular prayer fosters a personal connection, trusting in her maternal care.
Trust in Mary’s Intercession: Don Bosco’s unwavering trust in Mary’s help, especially in difficult times, was central to his mission. He believed, “Those who trust in Mary will never be disappointed.” We can follow this by turning to Mary in challenges—personal, familial, or societal—asking for her intercession with confidence, as Don Bosco did when building the basilica or aiding youth. A simple practice is to carry a medal of Mary Help of Christians and invoke her in moments of need.
Imitate Mary’s Virtues: Don Bosco emphasized imitating Mary’s faith, love, and purity, seeing devotion as a path to a better Christian life. To be like him, we can strive to live out Mary’s “yes” to God’s will, as seen in the Annunciation, by listening to God’s Word and acting with love and availability. For example, serving others selflessly, as Mary did at Cana, reflects her role as a helper.
Spread Devotion to Mary: Don Bosco made Mary Help of Christians a global devotion through his institutions and encouragement to pray and share her love. We can emulate this by promoting her feast on May 24, sharing stories of her intercession, or introducing others to prayers like “Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.” Joining or supporting groups like the ADMA can also extend this devotion.
Seek Mary’s Guidance in Difficult Times: Don Bosco saw Mary as a refuge in “sad times,” offering protection and peace. Today, amid challenges like secularism or personal struggles, we can turn to her as a “refuge beneath her mantle,” finding rest and strength through prayer and trust in her maternal role, as Don Bosco did during Italy’s turbulent years.
Engage with the Salesian Spirit: Don Bosco’s devotion was inseparable from his mission to youth. We can follow his example by supporting or volunteering with Salesian initiatives, educating and uplifting young people, especially the marginalized, under Mary’s patronage. This aligns with Don Bosco’s vision of Mary as a shepherdess guiding the young.

The Role of Saints and Angels in This Devotion

As with any spiritual journey, cultivating a friendship with saints and angels can enhance our devotion to Mary Help of Christians. Don Bosco’s life was marked by a deep connection to heavenly companions, particularly Mary, who guided him in dreams. Saints and angels are both willing and able to accompany us, unlike earthly friends who may be limited by distance or unwillingness. Their love and heavenly freedom ensure constant support. By invoking saints like Don Bosco or Mary Mazzarello and angels like St. Michael, we open our hearts to God’s grace, allowing their examples and intercession to inspire and sustain our devotion to Mary. This friendship makes it easier to trust in her help, as their holy lives encourage us to persevere in faith.

Conclusion

St. John Bosco’s devotion to Mary Help of Christians was a cornerstone of his life and mission, rooted in his mother’s piety, divine dreams, and the Church’s historical veneration of Mary as a protector. Through building the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, founding the Salesian Family, promoting her prayers, and attributing miracles to her intercession, he made this devotion a global legacy. To emulate Don Bosco, we can cultivate a personal relationship with Mary, trust in her intercession, imitate her virtues, spread her devotion, and seek her guidance, all while drawing strength from the companionship of saints and angels. As Don Bosco said, “Have faith in the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are.” By following his example, we invite Mary’s maternal help into our lives, trusting her to guide us through all challenges.