Mary Help of Christians
Patroness and Heavenly Mother
"Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us."
Patroness and Heavenly Mother
Mary Help of Christians (Maria Auxiliatrice) holds a central place in the Salesian charism. Don Bosco had a profound devotion to her, crediting her intercession for many graces and the foundation of the Salesian family. The title "Help of Christians" was formally added to the Litany of Loreto by Pope Pius VII in 1815.
Don Bosco built the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, completed on June 9, 1868. He chose her as the heavenly patron of the FMA Institute, desiring that the Sisters would model themselves on Mary's care, tenderness, and educative love for the young.
For the FMA, Mary is not just a patron but the living model of their mission—a woman who "knew how to incarnate and live the pedagogy of taking care," manifesting Christ's love through her maternal presence among youth.