Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco

John Bosco, the man destined by God to be an Apostle of Mary Help of Christians, was born on August 16, 1815 in Becchi, Italy - the same year that the feast of Mary Help of Christians was instituted.  Had Don Bosco not given new interest in the propagation of the devotion to Mary Help of Christians, it might have remained in obscurity.

How did Don Bosco learn about Mary Help of Christians?

In March 1862, a painting of Mary in a rundown church near Spoletto in Fratta had spoken to a little boy Righetto Cionchi (5 years old).  Then on March 19, 1862 a young farmer was miraculously cured by the image.  Crowds of people went to the miraculous image and it was seen by many to shed tears.  The Archbishop Arnaldi of Spoletto officially named the image, OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS, convinced that this title was "the most suitable in every respect".  Don Bosco learned of these events in Spoletto and he joyfully narrated some of the miraculous events in his Goodnight Talk on May 24, 1862.

In 1863, a vision of Our Lady appeared to Don Bosco asking him to build a Church to honor her as Mary Help of Christians.

Aspiring to realize Mother Mary's request: "This is my house, from here My Glory shall shine forth" Don Bosco started working against all odds - with lack of funds and the presence of strong anti-clerical act by civil officials during that time.  With strong devotion to Mary Help of Christians and Jesus Christ, he built the church under miraculous circumstances with financial help coming from practically unknown devotees.

In 1865, Don Bosco asked the artist Thomas Lorenzone to paint the picture of Mary Help of Christians.  After three (3) years of work, the painting was finished and put in its place over the main altar of the Basilica.

Don Bosco's description of the painting was:

'Our Lady stands out in the center bathed in light and majesty.  She is surrounded by ranks of Angels, who are doing Her honor as their Queen.  In her right hand she holds a scepter, the symbol of Her power, and on Her left arm she carries the Child with His arms outstretched as a sign of the graces and mercy He offers to all who have recourse to His royal Mother.  At each side and underneath are the Holy Apostles and Evangelists, exalted in ecstasy as though exclaiming: "Queen of Apostles, pray for us" while gazing in wonder at the Holy Virgin.  At the lower part of the painting is shown a portion of the City of Turin, with the Sanctuary of Valdocco in the foreground and the Sanctuary of Superga in the rear.'

In 1868, Don Bosco completed the grand Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin Italy.  It has become the center of devotions and Mother Church of over 150 shrines dedicated to Mary Help of Christians around the world including the Philippines.  Its feast is celebrated started last week of April and closes on May 24.  It is the most attended church service in Turin, Italy.

Altar of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, Italy with the painting of Thomas Lorenzone placed over the altar.