The documents of the Second Vatican Council state:

“After the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her role in salvation has never ceased. Through her continuous intercession, she continues to obtain the grace of eternal life for us. Her maternal care extends to her brothers and sisters, who, while still journeying through this life, are surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into the blessed homeland of heaven. Therefore, within the Church, the faithful invoke the Blessed Virgin with titles such as Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix. However, it must be affirmed that these titles do not in any way detract from or add to the dignity and power of Christ as the sole Mediator.” (cf. Lumen Gentium, 62)

After the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI issued an official statement declaring the Blessed Virgin Mary as the “Mother of the Church”, emphasising that she is both the Mother of the Church’s shepherds and its faithful.

Throughout every era of the Church, believers have experienced the powerful assistance of the Blessed Mother. In times of hardship, whether personal or communal, they have always turned to her altar with unwavering faith, trusting in her protection and help.

In 1572, when the Ottoman Turks attempted to invade Europe, the courageous Christian fleet, relying on the aid of the Blessed Virgin, won a decisive victory at the Battle of Lepanto, defeating the Turkish navy. In commemoration of this glorious triumph, Pope Pius V established the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.

Later, in 1682, the Blessed Virgin again came to the aid of the faithful in Vienna, helping to repel the Turkish forces. In gratitude for her divine assistance, Pope Innocent XII approved the establishment of the Association of Mary Help of Christians.

On 24 May 1814, Pope Pius VII was freed from the oppression of Napoleon’s rule and ended his long exile, returning victoriously to Rome. In gratitude for the Blessed Mother’s help, he established 24 May as the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, a celebration that continues to this day. The Pope himself frequently invoked Mary under this title.

St. John Bosco and the Promotion of Mary Help of Christians

St. John Bosco worked tirelessly to spread devotion to Mary Help of Christians, making this title more widely known. Under her guidance and assistance, he founded the Salesian Society, dedicated to serving young people. Today, this religious order has expanded worldwide.

In 1868, with the many miracles attributed to Mary Help of Christians, St. John Bosco built a magnificent Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, Italy. In gratitude for her intercession, he also established the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (commonly known as the Salesian Sisters), dedicated to the education of young women.

St. John Bosco once wrote:

“Our devotion to Jesus’ Mother, Mary Help of Christians, is as ancient as the history of the Church itself. After the Assumption, the Apostles were the first to venerate her, and the faithful have since followed their example, continuously invoking and praising the Blessed Mother.”

Mission of the Association of Mary Help of Christians

The Association of Mary Help of Christians calls upon modern Christians to embrace Gospel values and live a sanctified life, seeking both personal holiness and the sanctification of others.

Mission:
Members cultivate their spiritual lives by practicing daily Scripture reading and meditation to:

• Uphold and strengthen their spiritual identity as lay Christians, being “in the world but oriented toward God.”
• Grow in holiness through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Mary, becoming the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

Emphasis on Scripture Meditation

We place special emphasis on the daily practice of Scripture reading and meditation. This is not only a time-honored spiritual tradition within the Church but also a treasured experience we have cultivated over the years. If a Christian remains steadfast in spending even a small amount of time each day in contact with the Word of God, allowing the Holy Spirit to enlighten their heart and strengthen their faith, their daily life will gradually become more Christ-centered.

Hong Kong Mary Help of Christians Website:  www.maryhcs.org

Mary Help of Christians Group – Chinese Catholic Community Brisbane (CCCB) at Sacred Heart Centre

The Mary Help of Christians Group has been established at Sacred Heart Centre, CCCB to:

• Honor and imitate the Blessed Mother
• Devoutly pray for her intercession

Meeting Schedule: Every third or fourth Thursday of the month at 8:30 PM (in Cantonese)

Contact for Inquiries: Joseph Kei – 0413 615 511