Description
NECKLACE OUR LADY HELP CHRISTANS – GILT (Gold Medal 27x20mm) – 60cm Serpentine Gold Chain – Boxed
Our Lady Help of Christians is a title for the Virgin Mary emphasizing her role as a powerful intercessor and protector of the Church and believers, particularly during times of crisis. Established as a feast day on May 24 by Pope Pius VII, it commemorates her aid to Christians and is the patroness of Australia, China, and the Salesian family.
Key Meanings and Aspects:
Powerful Intercession: The title highlights Mary’s closeness to Christ, making her prayers seen as particularly effective for Christians fighting sin in their personal lives.
Protection against Evil: She is revered as a collective protector who assists Christians against anti-Christian forces and in times of crisis, historically linked to defending Europe and the Church.
Historical Context (1500s–1800s): Pope Pius V added this title to the Litany of Loreto following the 1571 Battle of Lepanto. Later, Pope Pius VII officially established the May 24 feast day in 1815 after being released from captivity by Napoleon Bonaparte, attributing his freedom to her intervention.
Patroness of Australia: Mary Help of Christians is the patroness of Australia (since 1844), where the feast day holds special significance for the Church’s foundation in the country.
Devotion by St. John Bosco: In the 19th century, St. John Bosco popularized this devotion, making her the patroness of his religious order, the Salesians.
