Mary, Help of Christians
Sancta Maria Auxilium Christianorum
This feast for Mary on May 24, Help of Christians, is a celebration that honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and her special role in the life of the Church and the salvation of humanity. According to Catholic teaching, Mary is inseparably linked to the saving work of her Son, Jesus Christ, and is to be regarded as the way by which we are led to Christ.
The invocation "Help of Christians" (Auxilium Christianorum) originated in the 16th century, possibly from the title "Advocate of Christians" (Advocata Christianorum). This title reflects the belief that Mary intercedes for and assists Christians, especially in times of difficulty and persecution. The feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, was instituted by Pope Pius VII, who was imprisoned by Napoleon and found solace in Mary's protection.
In celebrating this feast, the Church honors Mary with a special love, recognizing her as the "most excellent fruit of redemption" and contemplating her as a "faultless image" of what the Church itself desires to be. Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the faithful to pray to Mary, asking her to be a light that helps us become a light for the world.
The month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, is a particularly fitting time to celebrate this feast, as it allows the faithful to seek Christ through Mary, finding in her a haven of salvation and a transcendent fountain of life.
Sweet Mother, lead us to your Son.
Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us.
