(ANS – Rome) – The date of May 24, the day on which the Feast of Mary Help of Christians will be celebrated, is approaching. It was the first Christians in Greece, Egypt, Antioch, Ephesus, Alexandria and Athens who called the Blessed Virgin Mary by the name “Help of Christians.”
The Feast of Mary Help of Christians was established in 1815 by Pope Pius VII. Imprisoned in the Palace of Fontainebleau by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Pope dedicated his prayers to Mary Help of Christians to protect the Church. When Napoleon signed his abdication and the Church regained its position and spiritual power, the Pope instituted the feast of Mary Help of Christians on May 24 to perpetuate the memory of his return to Rome after his imprisonment.
The feast of Mary Help of Christians has been celebrated in Ukraine since the 11th century. In the country, the Orthodox Church also celebrates it on the first day of October each year.
The propagation of devotion to Mary Help of Christians is mainly attributed to St. John Bosco, who chose her as the main patroness of the Salesian Family and its works.
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”