The tradition of this advocation goes back to 1571, when the whole of Christendom was saved from the great battle of Lepanto that occurred on October 7th 1571, by Mary Help of Christians, when Catholics throughout Europe prayed the Rosary for this cause. In 1573, Pope Pius V instituted the feast in thanksgiving for the decisive victory of Christianity over Islamism.
Near the end of the 17th century, Emperor Leopold I of Austria took refuge in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Pasau, when 200,000 Ottoman Turks besieged the capital city of Vienna. However, the Austrian army had a great victory, thanks to Mary Help of Christians. On September 8th, Feast of Our Lady’s Birthday, plans were drawn for the battle and on September 12, Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Vienna was finally freed through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. All Europe had joined with the Emperor crying out “Mary, Help!” and praying the Holy rosary.
In 1809, Napoleon’s men entered the Vatican, arrested Pope Pius VII and brought him in chains to Grenoble, and eventually to Fontainbleau. His imprisonment lasted for five years. The Holy Father vowed to God that, if he were restored to the Roman See, he would institute a special feast in honor of Mary. Military reverses forced Napoleon to release the Pope, and on May 24th 1814, Pope Pius VII returned in triumph to Rome. Twelve months later, the Pope decreed that the feast of Mary Help of Christians, be kept on the 24th of May.
On May 14, 1862, Saint Don Bosco dreamed about the battles the Church would face in the latter days. In his dream, the Pope of those days anchored the 'ship' of the Church between two pillars, one with a statue of Mary (Auxilium Christianorum or 'Help of Christians') and the other with a large Eucharistic Host. Don Bosco had dedicated the congregation of Salesian fathers and nuns to the devotion of Mary Help of Christians.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint David I of Scotland
2. Saint Jessica
3. Saint John Del Prado
4. Saint Patrick of Bayeux
5. Saint Vincent of Porto
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