About Mary Help of Christians
The title Mary Help of Christians dates back to the early Church but became especially well known after the Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, which Pope St. Pius V attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin through the Rosary.
Devotion to Mary Help of Christians spread throughout the world thanks to St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians. He dedicated his religious congregation to her care and often reminded the faithful that Mary is a loving mother who never abandons those who seek her help.
Today, millions of Catholics continue to invoke Mary Help of Christians for protection, strength, peace, and perseverance in the Christian life.
The Church celebrates her feast day on May 24.
What is the Mary Help of Christians Novena?
The Mary Help of Christians Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us with her maternal care, especially in times of difficulty, temptation, illness, and spiritual need.
What Can I Pray the Mary Help of Christians Novena For?
Pray this novena for:
- Protection for yourself and your family.
- Strength during trials and temptations.
- Healing of body, mind, and soul.
- Peace in your home.
- Conversion of loved ones.
- Vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
- Perseverance in the Catholic faith.
- Comfort during suffering.
- Guidance in difficult decisions.
- Your personal intentions.
What does “Mary Help of Christians” mean?
Help of Christians is one of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s oldest and most cherished titles. It recognizes her as a loving mother who continually intercedes for the Church and assists Christians in every need.
Who promoted devotion to Mary Help of Christians?
Although devotion to Mary Help of Christians is centuries old, St. John Bosco greatly expanded it in the nineteenth century. He entrusted his ministry and the Salesian family to her loving protection.
When is the Feast of Mary Help of Christians?
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Mary Help of Christians on May 24.
How do I pray the Mary Help of Christians Novena?
Pray the novena once each day for nine consecutive days. Offer your prayer intention to God through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, and conclude each day with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Is Mary Help of Christians the same as Our Lady of Perpetual Help?
No. They are different titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary, each highlighting a different aspect of her loving care. Both devotions encourage Catholics to seek Mary’s powerful intercession and trust in her guidance to Jesus Christ.
Why do Catholics pray to Mary Help of Christians?
Catholics ask Mary to pray for them because she is the Mother of Jesus and our spiritual Mother. Under the title Help of Christians, she is especially honored as a protector of the Church and a source of comfort and strength for all who seek her intercession.
Is Mary Help of Christians the patroness of any country?
Yes. Mary Help of Christians is the principal patroness of Australia and is also the patroness of the Salesian Family, founded by St. John Bosco. She is honored in many dioceses and communities around the world.
| Novena Begins: | May 15 |
| Feast Day: | May 24 |
Day 1 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Mary Help of Christians Novena
Let us begin,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come before you, trusting in your loving and perpetual help.
If earthly mothers never cease to remember their children, how much more will you, the most loving of all mothers, remember those who seek your intercession.
Grant me, I humbly pray, your constant help in all my needs, in every sorrow, and especially in times of temptation.
I also ask your maternal protection for all who are suffering. Strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowful, heal the sick, and lead sinners to conversion. Inspire many generous hearts to answer God’s call to the priesthood and religious life.
O Mary, Help of Christians, obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to your Son throughout our lives, so that, after invoking your help on earth, we may praise and thank you forever in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(Prayer inspired by St. John Bosco.)
(Mention your prayer intention here…)
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…