Strangely enough, the title “Mary, Help of Christians” shares its origin with Our Lady of the Rosary. Both titles of Mary can be traced back to the year 1571 and the Battle of Lepanto.
The Battle of Lepanto was a large-scale naval battle fought between the Holy League (a coalition of Catholic nations) and the Islamic Ottoman Empire. The Holy League was in command of 168 vessels while the Ottomans were in command of 337 vessels. By all means, the Ottomans had the advantage. Knowing the Holy League was at a disadvantage, Pope Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory.
At the beginning of the battle, the wind threatened to prevent the Holy League from forming a line to hold off the oncoming Ottoman ships. By some miracle, however, the wind shifted shortly before the two sides made contact allowing the Holy League to get into position. By the end of the battle, the Holy League had captured 137 vessels, killed 30,000 Turks, and took over 10,000 prisoners while only suffering 7,500 deaths. In thanksgiving for this decisive victory, St. Pius V instituted the feast of Our Lady of Victory and added the title “Help of Christians” into the litany of Loreto. The title “Mary, Help of Christians” would not get a feast day until much later, however.
During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1808, Pope Pius VII was arrested by French forces. During his time in prison, Pope Pius VII vowed that if he was restored to the Roman See, he would institute a special feast in honor of Mary. Five years later, the Pope was released from captivity, which he attributed to the Blessed Mother’s intercession. Pope Pius returned to Rome on May 24, 1814 and, one year later, implemented the feast day of Our Lady, Help of Christians.
Prayer to Mary, Help of Christians
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.
