Marian

Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians

This traditional prayer is associated with Saint John Bosco, the nineteenth-century founder of the Salesians and a devoted promoter of Mary under the title Help of Christians. The title has deep roots in Catholic tradition. Pope Pius VII established the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, in thanksgiving for his return to Rome after captivity. Catholics pray this prayer to seek Mary’s maternal intercession in personal needs, sorrows, temptations, illness, and concern for sinners. It also asks for religious vocations, reflecting Saint John Bosco’s apostolic mission. It is especially fitting on May 24 and within Salesian communities, but it may be prayed at any time.

Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, how sweet it is to come to your feet, imploring your perpetual help. If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children, how can you, the most loving of all mothers, forget me? Grant then to me, I implore you, your perpetual help in all my necessities, in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations. I ask for your unceasing help for all who are now suffering. Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners. Grant through your intercessions many vocations to the religious life. Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians, that having invoked you on earth we may love and eternally thank you in heaven. Amen.

When to pray it: Pray this prayer in times of need, sorrow, temptation, or illness, and especially on the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, on May 24.

Want to understand this prayer line by line, or its history? Ask AskCatholicAI

More marian prayers