Novena to Mary Help of Christians Begins Wednesday, May 15

By Judy Alvarez

For the next nine days, the Salesian Worldwide Novena to Mary Help Christians will be posted daily as a feature on our homepage at Salesian Bulletin – InTouch.

The novena resources prepared by the Salesian headquarters in Rome will help us discover the “secret of Mary” based on the wisdom of St. Louis Marie de Montfort and offered through reflections by our Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime. A testimony of Salesian life and prayer are also included. The entire novena is also presented in booklet form for both English and Spanish speakers and is found in the links below.

Let us make this nine-day journey as the family of Don Bosco, who once declared, “Trust all things to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are.”

For what shall we pray? Certainly, each of us has special needs and graces for which we may ask. As a Salesian family in the Province of St. Andrew the Apostle, here are some intentions which we may also bring to prayer:

For our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and his May prayer Intention: Let us pray that women religious and seminarians may grow in their vocational journey through a human, pastoral, spiritual, and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses of the Gospel.

For the preparation and realization of a happy, holy, and productive Salesian Province Chapter for the Province of St. Andrew, June 17-21, 2024.

For all the dreams of young people concluding their school year, especially those graduating, that the summer and coming year will help them realize dreams most aligned with God’s love for them.

For all the young people in parishes celebrating their First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, that they rejoice in and live out the many graces they receive.

For all Camp Counselors, Salesians, FMA, Cooperators, and other collaborators preparing for the summer camp season, that they may create joyous and educative oratories for all the young people who participate.

For those most in need in our homes, religious communities, schools, parishes, and youth centers, that we may be the presence of Jesus and Mary for them.