‘If one million children pray the Rosary, the world will change’ (St Pio of Pietrelcina – Padre Pio)

Every year in October, a wave of prayer spreads across the world, uniting children of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds in one powerful gesture of faith. This extraordinary initiative, entitled ‘One million children pray the Rosary’, has become an annual appointment awaited by many, embodying the hope of a better future through the prayer and devotion of the youngest.

Origins and significance of the initiative

The idea for this initiative originated in 2005 in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, when a group of children gathered to pray the Rosary in front of an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many of the women present there strongly felt the presence of the Virgin Mary, and remembered the prophecy of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina(Padre Pio): ‘When a million children pray the Rosary, the world will change’. That seemingly simple phrase expressed the profound conviction that the prayer of the little ones has a special ability to touch God’s heart and positively influence the world.

Inspired by this experience and by Padre Pio’s words, these women decided to turn that image into reality. They began by organising local prayer events, inviting children to pray the Rosary. The initiative grew rapidly, crossing the borders of Venezuela and spreading to other Latin American countries.

In 2008, the initiative attracted the attention of the Pontifical Foundation ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ (ACS), an international Catholic organisation that supports the Church in need around the world. Recognising the potential of this prayer campaign, the ACS decided to adopt it and promote it globally, with the aim of involving one million children in the recitation of the Rosary, one of the oldest and best-loved prayers in the Catholic Christian tradition.

Under the leadership of the ACS, ‘One million children pray the Rosary’ has grown into a worldwide event. Every year, on 18 October, children from all continents join in prayer, praying the Rosary for peace and unity in the world. The date of 18 October is no coincidence: it is the day on which the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St Luke the Evangelist, known for his special attention to the Virgin Mary in his writings.

The Rosary: Marian prayer and symbol of peace

The Rosary is a very ancient prayer, centred on reflection on the mysteries of the life of Jesus and Mary, his mother. It consists of repetitions of prayers such as the Hail Mary, the Our Father and the Glory Be, and allows the faithful to meditate on the central moments of Christ’s journey on earth. This practice is not only a form of individual devotion, but has a strong community and intercessory dimension, so much so that in many Marian apparitions, such as those at Fatima and Lourdes, Our Lady expressly asked children to recite the Rosary as a means of obtaining peace in the world and the conversion of sinners.

The Rosary, being repetitive, allows even young children, often unable to follow complex prayers or lengthy readings, to actively participate and understand the meaning of prayer. Through the simple act of repeating the words of the Hail Mary, children are spiritually united with the global community of the faithful, interceding for peace and justice in the world.

The spiritual and educational dimension

The initiative takes place every year on 18 October, although many groups, parishes and schools choose to extend it throughout the month, traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.

On the day of the event, children gather in various places: schools, churches, private homes or public spaces. Often, children are instructed on how to pray the Rosary and the spiritual meanings of the various mysteries, so that they can participate with awareness and faith. Under the guidance of adults – parents, teachers or religious leaders – children pray the Rosary together. Many communities organise special events around this prayer, such as songs, Bible readings or short reflections suitable for young people.

Some parishes organise actual celebrations, during which children bring handmade Rosary beads or made of creative materials, to express their participation in an active and engaging way. The initiative ends with the celebration of a special Holy Mass dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and world peace.

‘A Million Children Pray the Rosary’ is not only a time of prayer, but also an educational opportunity. Many schools and pastoral groups use this event to teach children the values of peace, solidarity and social justice. Through the Rosary, children learn the importance of entrusting their worries and the suffering of the world to God, and understand that peace begins in their hearts and families.

Moreover, the initiative seeks to make children understand the universality of the Church and the Christian faith. Knowing that, at the same time, thousands of other children in every part of the world are praying the same prayer creates a sense of global community and fraternity that transcends language, cultural and geographic barriers.

The value of children’s prayer

Children’s prayer is often seen as particularly powerful in the Christian tradition because of their innocence and purity of heart. In the Bible, Jesus himself invites his disciples to look to children as an example of faith: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven’ (Mt 18:3).

Children, with their open and sincere hearts, are able to pray with total trust in God, without doubt or reservation. This trust and simplicity make their prayer particularly effective in God’s eyes. Moreover, children’s prayer can also have a strong impact on adults, calling them to a purer and deeper faith.

The global impact

Over the years, ‘One Million Children Pray the Rosary’ has seen growing participation, involving millions of children in over 140 countries. In 2023, more than one million children joined in prayer, praying especially for peace in the Holy Land and for other urgent intentions.

The event also attracted media attention in various countries, helping to spread a message of hope and unity in a world often dominated by negative news. Social media became an important tool to promote the initiative and share experiences. Hashtags such as #MillionChildrenPraying and #ChildrenPrayingTheRosary have gone viral in many countries, creating a sense of global community among participants.

The Million Children Praying the Rosary initiative has received support from many leaders of the Catholic Church, including Popes. Pope Francis, in particular, has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for this campaign, emphasising the importance of children’s prayer for world peace.

Beyond the religious sphere, the initiative has attracted the attention of educators and psychologists, who have emphasised the benefits of involving children in activities that promote reflection, compassion and a sense of global connectedness.

Campaign Goals

The One Million Children Pray the Rosary campaign has several key objectives:

1. Spiritual Education: To teach children the importance of prayer and the Rosary as an integral part of their spiritual life, to grow in faith.
2. Honouring the Virgin Mary: The initiative strengthens Marian devotion, a central element of the Catholic faith.
3. Learning to pray together: The event creates a sense of unity and solidarity among participants, overcoming geographical and cultural barriers.
4. Promoting world peace: Children’s prayer is seen as a powerful tool to invoke peace in a world often plagued by conflict and division.

5. Raising awareness of global challenges: Through prayer, children are encouraged to reflect on global issues and their role in creating a better future.

How to participate

Participating in the initiative is very simple. Simply:

1. Get informed: Visit the official ACS website to download free materials, such as posters, illustrated stories and prayer guides.
2. Organise a time for prayer: Choose a time to pray the Rosary, on the 18th of October (or another day closer if the 18th is not possible). It can be done in a group or individually.
3. Involve the children: from your family, school or parish in a moment of common prayer. Explain to the children the importance of prayer and the meaning of the Rosary. Encourage them to actively participate.
4. Register online: Register your participation on the ACS website to make your voice heard and help reach the goal of one million children.

5. Share the experience: Share photos, videos and testimonials on social media using the hashtag #MillionChildrenPraying. This helps create a global community of prayer

‘A Million Children Pray the Rosary’ is an extraordinary initiative that demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of faith. Through praying the Rosary, children around the world can unite in a global community of faith, bringing hope and peace. Let us join them in this great chain of prayer and help build a more beautiful world.

(continuation from previous article)

Chapter XIX. Funds by which this Church was built.

            Those who have spoken or heard about this sacred edifice will want to know where the funds were obtained, which in total already exceed half a million. I find myself in great difficulty in answering, therefore less able to satisfy others. I will say, therefore, that the legal bodies gave high hopes at first; but in practice they decided not to contribute. Some wealthy citizens, seeing the need for this building, promised conspicuous largesse, but for the most part they changed their minds and judged it better to direct their charity elsewhere.
            It is true that some well-to-do devotees had promised donations, but at an opportune time, that is, they would make donations when they were certain of the work and had seen the work in progress.
            With the offerings of the Holy Father and a few other pious people, the land could be purchased and nothing else; so that when it came to starting the work, I did not have a penny to spend on it. Here, on the one hand, there was the certainty that this building was for the greater glory of God; on the other hand, there was the absolute lack of means. Then it became clear that the Queen of Heaven wanted not the moral bodies, but the real bodies, that is, the true devotees of Mary, to take part in the holy endeavour, and Mary herself wanted to put her hand to it and make it known that it was her own work that she wanted to build it: Aedificavit sibi domum Maria.
            I therefore undertake the account of things as they happened, and I conscientiously recount the truth, and I commend myself to the benevolent reader to give me benign pity if he finds anything that does not please him. Here it is. The digging had begun, and the fortnight was approaching when the diggers had to be paid, and there was no money whatsoever; when a fortunate event opened an unexpected way to charity. Because of the sacred ministry, I was called to the bedside of a gravely ill person. She had been lying motionless for three months, racked with coughs and fever with severe stomach exhaustion. “If ever” she said, “I could regain a little health, I would be willing to make any prayer, any sacrifice; it would be a great favour to me if I could even get out of bed.”
            “What do you intend to do?”
            “Whatever you tell me.”
            “Make a novena to Mary Help of Christians.”
            “What should I say?”
            “For nine days recite three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glory Be’s to the Blessed Sacrament with three Hail Marys to the Blessed Virgin.”
            “This I will do; and what work of charity?”
            “If you judge well and if you get a real improvement to your health, you will make some offerings for the Church of Mary Help of Christians which is being started in Valdocco.”
            “Yes, yes: gladly. If in the course of this novena I only get to get out of bed and take a few steps around this room, I will make an offering for the church you mention in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
            The novena began and we were already on the last day; I was to give no less than a thousand francs to the terrazzo workers that evening. I therefore went to visit our sick person in whose recovery all my resources were invested, and not without anxiety and agitation I rang the bell of her house. The janitor opens the door and joyfully announces to me that her mistress was perfectly recovered, had already taken two walks and had already gone to church to thank the Lord.
            As the maid hurriedly recounted these things, the same mistress came forward, jubilant, saying “I am healed, I have already gone to thank Our Blessed Lady; come, here is the parcel I have prepared for you; this is the first offering, but it will certainly not be the last.” I took the parcel, went home, checked it, and found fifty gold napoleons in it, which were precisely the thousand francs we needed.
            This fact, the first of its kind, I kept jealously hidden; nevertheless it spread like an electric spark. Others and then others still recommended themselves to Mary Help of Christians by making the novena and promising some donationf they obtained the implored grace. And here, if I wanted to set out the multitude of facts, I would have to make not a small booklet, but large volumes.
            Headaches ceased, fevers were vanquished, sores and cancerous ulcers healed, rheumatism ceased, convulsions healed, eye, ear, tooth and kidney ailments instantly healed; such are the means that the Lord’s mercy used to provide us with what was necessary to bring this church to completion.
            Turin, Genoa, Bologna, Naples, but more than any other city, Milan, Florence, and Rome were the cities that, having specially experienced the beneficial influence of the Mother of Graces invoked under the name of Help of Christians, also showed their gratitude with donations Even more remote countries like Palermo, Vienna, Paris, London and Berlin turned to Mary Help of Christians with the usual prayers and promises. I am not aware of anyone having had recourse in vain. A spiritual or temporal favour more or less marked was always the fruit of the petition and recourse made to the pitiful Mother, to the powerful help of Christians. They resorted, they obtained the heavenly favour, they made their offering without being asked for it in any way.
            If you, O reader, enter this church, you will see an elegantly built pulpit; it was a gravely ill person who made a promise to Mary Help of Christians; she recovered and fulfilled her vow. The elegant altar in the chapel on the right belongs to a Roman matron who offered it to Mary for grace received.
            If serious reasons, which everyone can lightly surmise, did not prevent me from its publication, I could tell you the country and the names of the people who appealed to Mary from all sides. Indeed, it could be said that every nook and cranny, every brick of this sacred edifice recalls a benefit, a grace obtained from this august Queen of Heaven.
            An impartial person will collect these facts, which in due course will serve to make known to posterity the wonders of Mary Help of Christians.
            In these last times poverty was making itself felt in an exceptional way, we were also slowing down the work to await better times for its continuation; when other providential means came to the rescue. The deadly cholera that raged among us and in the neighbouring countries moved the most insensitive and unscrupulous hearts.
            Among others, a mother, seeing her only son choked by the violence of the disease, urged him to turn to Mary Most Holy for help. In the excess of grief he uttered these words: Maria Auxilium Christianorum, ora pro nobis. With the warmest affection of heart, his mother repeated the same prayer. At that moment, the violence of the illness was mitigated, the sick man perspired profusely, so that in a few hours he was out of danger and almost completely cured. The news of this fact spread, and then others recommended themselves with faith in Almighty God and in the power of Mary Help of Christians with the promise to make some offering to continue the construction of her church. No one is known to have had recourse to Mary in this way without being heard. St Bernard’s saying is thus fulfilled, that it has never been heard of anyone who has confidently had recourse to Mary in vain. While I was writing (May 1868) I received an offer with a report from a person of great authority, who announced to me how an entire town was in an extraordinary way freed from the cholera infestation thanks to the medal, the recourse and the prayer made to Mary Help of Christians. In this way there were donations from all sides, oblations, it is true, of small entity, but which together were sufficient for the need.
            Nor should another means of charity for this church be passed over in silence, such as the offering of a part of the profit from trade, or the fruit of the countryside. Many, who for many years had received no more fruit from silkworms and harvests, promised to give a tenth of the produce they would receive. They were extraordinarily favoured; content therefore to show their heavenly benefactress special signs of gratitude with their offerings.
            Thus we have conducted this majestic edifice for us with an astonishing dispensation without anyone ever making a collection of any kind. Who would believe it? One sixth of the expenditure was covered by donations from devout people; the rest were all donations made for graces received.
            Now there are still some details to be settled, some work to be completed, many ornaments and furnishings to be provided, but we have great confidence in this august Queen of Heaven, who will not cease to bless her devotees and grant them special graces, so that out of devotion to her and out of gratitude for the graces received they will continue to lend their beneficent hand to bring the holy undertaking to a complete completion. And so, as the supreme Hierarch of the Church says, may the devotees of Mary increase above the earth and may the number of her fortunate children be greater, who will one day make her glorious crown in the kingdom of heaven to praise, bless and thank her for ever.

Hymn for Vespers of the Feast of Mary Help
Te Redemptoris, Dominique nostri
            Dicimus Matrem, speciosa virgo,
            Christianorum decus et levamen
                                    Rebus in arctis.
Saeviant portae licet inferorum,
            Hostis antiquus fremat, et minaces,
            Ut Deo sacrum populetur agmen,
                                    Suscitet iras.
Nil truces possunt furiae nocere
            Mentibus castis, prece, quas vocata
            Annuens Virgo fovet, et superno
                                    Robore firmat.
Tanta si nobis faveat Patrona
            Bellici cessat sceleris tumultus,
            Mille sternuntur, fugiuntque turmae,
                                    Mille cohortes.
Tollit ut sancta caput in Sione
            Turris, arx firmo fabricata muro,
            Civitas David, clypeis, et acri
                                    Milite tuta.
Virgo sic fortis Domini potenti
            Dextera, caeli cumulata donis,
            A piis longe famulis repellit
                                    Daemonis ictus.
Te per aeternos veneremur annos,
            Trinitas, summo celebrando plausu,
            Te fide mentes resonoque linguae
                                    Carmine laudent. Amen.

Hymn for Vespers of the Feast of Mary Help. – TRANSLATION
Virgin Mother of the Lord,
            Our daughter and our pride,
            From the valley of tears
            We implore you with faith and love.
From the gates of hell
            Frema the host threatening,
            Thou pitifully watchest
            With thy supernal gaze.
His furies unleashed
            Will pass without shame and harm,
            If of chaste hearts on the vain
            Are the prayers raised to Thee.
Thee Patroness, in every war
            We become the heroes of the field;
            The lightning of your might
            A thousand hosts flee and land.
Thou art the bulwark that surrounds
            Of Zion the holy houses;
            You are David’s sling
            That smites the proud giant.
You are the shield that repels
            Satan’s ignorant swords,
            You are the staff that drives him back
            Into the abyss from whence it came.
[…]

Hymn for praise
Saepe dum Christi populus cruentis
            Hostis infensis premeretur armis,
            Venit adiutrix pia Virgo coelo
                                    Lapsa sereno.
Prisca sic Patrum monumenta narrant,
            Templa testantur spoliis opimis
            Clara, votivo repetita cultu
                                    Festa quotannis.
En novi grates liceat Mariae
            Cantici laetis modulis referre
            Pro novis donis, resonante plausu,
                                    Urbis et orbis.
O dies felix memoranda fastis,
            Qua Petri Sedes fidei Magistrum
            Triste post lustrum reducem beata
                                    Sorte recepit!
Virgines castae, puerique puri,
            Gestiens Clerus, populusque grato
            Corde Reginae celebrare caeli
                                    Munera certent.
Virginum Virgo, benedicta Iesu
            Mater, haec auge bona: fac, precamur,
            Ut gregem Pastor Pius ad salutis
                                    Pascua ducat.
Te per aeternos veneremur annos,
            Trinitas, summo celebrando plausu,
            Te fide mentes, resonoque linguae
                                    Carmine laudent. Amen.

Hymn for praise – TRANSLATION.
When the bitter enemy
            To assault was seen
            With the most terrible weapons
            The people of Christ,
            Often to the defences
            Mary from heaven descended.
Columns altars and domes
            With trophies adorned,
            And rites and feasts and canticles
            Were dedicated to her.
            Oh how many are the memories
            Of her many victories!
But new graces be given
            To her new favours;
            Let all nations unite
            And the supernal choirs
            In divine harmony
            With the Queen City.
The inconsolable Church
            Her eyelids are calmed;
            On the day that dawned
            From long sad exile
            Of Peter to the supreme See
            The Supreme Heir returned.
The virginal youths
            The chaste adolescents
            With clergy and people
            Cantin such auspicious events:
            Gareggino in homage
            Of affection and language.
O Virgin of virgins
            Mother of the God of peace,
            May the Pastor of souls
            With lip so true
            And her high virtue
            Guide us to health.
[…]

Fr PAGNONE

(continued)

Don Bosco’s dream of 2 September 1868

            This is how Don Bosco spoke in the evening after prayers:

            It’s hard to understand, but whenever we begin a novena, some boys ask to leave the Oratory, and others must be dismissed. Take one youngster, for instance. He was the worst troublemaker of all, but various reasons kept us from expelling him. Would you believe it? Some mysterious force just drove him to leave on his own.
            Now let us talk of something else. Imagine that you see me coming through the main entrance, walking up here and facing a majestic Lady who holds a ledger in Her hands. Without my saying a word, She hands it to me and says:
            “Read!”
             I take it and read the title, Novena of Mary’s Nativity. Then I open the book and see in letters of gold, on the very first page, the names of a very few boys. The second page bears a somewhat longer list of boys’ names in ordinary ink. All the other pages are blank.
Now, can anyone tell me what this means?
            (He asked one boy and helped him with the answers.)
            The ledger contains the names of the boys making the novena. Those very few boys listed in gold letters are those who are making it fervently. The rest are those who are making it with less fervour. What about all the other boys whose names are not even listed? How do you explain that? I believe that the long walks we had [during the past festivities] so distracted these boys that they can no longer pull themselves together. What would Dominic Savio, Besucco, Magone, or Saccardi say if they were to come back now? “How the Oratory has changed! ”they would exclaim.
            To please Our Lady, therefore, let us receive the sacraments frequently and practice the nosegays which Father Francesia or I suggest every night. Let this be tomorrow’s nosegay: “Do everything diligently.”
(BM IX, 158)

(continuation from previous article)

Chapter XVII. Continuation and completion of the building.

            It seems that the Holy Virgin did in fact fulfil the prayer made publicly in the blessing of the cornerstone. The work continued with the utmost speed, and during the course of 1865 the building was brought up to the roof, covered, and the vault completed, with the exception of the section included in the periphery of the dome. 1866 saw the completion of the large cupola, the smaller cupola, and everything was covered with tin-plated copper.
            1867 saw the completion of the statue representing Mary Mother of Mercy in the act of blessing her devotees. At the foot of the statue is this inscription: Angela and Benedetto Chirio, a couple, in homage to Mary Help of Christians FF. These words recall the names of the well-deserving donors of this statue, which is made of wrought copper. It is about four metres high, surmounted by twelve golden stars that crown the head of the glorious Queen of Heaven. When the statue was placed in its place, it was simply bronzed, which revealed the work of art very well, but at some distance it became barely visible, so it was decided gild it. A pious person, already well-deserving of many titles, took charge of the expense for that.
            Now it shines brightly, and to those who look at it from afar when it is beaten by the rays of the sun, it seems to speak and wants to say:
            I am as beautiful as the moon, as chosen as the sun: Pulcra ut luna, electa ut sol. I am here to accept the supplications of my children, to enrich with graces and blessings those who love me. Ego in altissimis habito ut ditem diligentes me, et thesauros eorum repleam.
            When the work of decorating and ornamenting the statue was finished, it was blessed with one of the most devout solemnities.
            Archbishop Riccardi, our most venerable archbishop, assisted by three canons of the Metropolitan and many priests, was pleased to come himself to perform that sacred function. After a short address aimed at demonstrating the ancient use of images among the Jewish people and in the early Church, the blessing was shared with the Venerable.
            In the year 1867, the work was almost completed. The remainder of the interior of the church was done in the first five months of the current year 1868.
            There are therefore five altars, all of marble worked with different designs and friezes. For preciousness of marble, the one in the side chapel on the right stands out, containing antique green, Spanish red, oriental alabaster and malachite. The balustrades are also of marble; the floors and chancels are mosaic. The interior walls of the church were simply coloured without paint for fear that the recent construction of the walls would counterfeit the colour type.
            From the first base to the greatest height is 70 metres; the plinths, bindings, cornices are of granite. In the interior of the church and the cupola there are iron railings to keep safe those who might have to do some work there. On the outside of the dome there are three with a staircase, and while not very comfortable, are certainly safe for those wishing to climb up to the statue’s pedestal. There are two bell towers surmounted by two statues, each two and a half metres high. One of these statues represents the Angel Gabriel in the act of offering a crown to the Blessed Virgin; the other St Michael holding a flag in his hand, on which is written in large letters: LEPANTO. This is to commemorate the great victory won by the Christians against the Turks at Lepanto through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Above one of the bell towers is a concert of five bells in E-flat, which some worthy devotees have promoted with their offerings. Above the bells are several images are engraved with similar inscriptions. One of these bells is dedicated to the Supreme Hierarch of the Church Pius IX, another to Archbishop Riccardi our Archbishop.

Chapter XVIII. Ancona. Painting of St Joseph – Pulpit.

            In the left transept is the altar dedicated to St Joseph. The painting of the saint is the work of the artist Tomaso Lorenzone. The composition is symbolic. The Saviour is presented as a child in the act of handing a basket of flowers to the Blessed Virgin as if saying: flores mei, flores honoris et honestatis. His August Mother says to offer it to St Joseph her husband, so that by his hand they may be given to the faithful who are waiting for them with raised hands. The flowers represent the graces that Jesus offers to Mary, while she appoints St Joseph as its absolute dispenser, as Holy Church greets him: constituit eum dominum domus suae.
            The height of the painting is 4 metres and it is 2 metres wide.
            The pulpit is very majestic; the design is also by Cav. Antonio Spezia; the sculpture and all the other works are the work of the boys from the Oratory of St Francis de Sales. The material is carved walnut and the boards are well connected. Its position is such that the preacher can be seen from any corner of the church.
            But the most glorious monument of this church is the altarpiece, the large painting above the high altar in the choir. It is also the work of Lorenzone. Its height is over seven metres by four. It presents itself to the eye as an appearance of Mary Help of Christians in the following manner:
            The Virgin stands in a sea of light and majesty, seated on a throne of clouds. She is covered by a mantle that is supported by a host of angels, who, making a crown, pay homage to her as their Queen. With her right hand she holds the sceptre that is a symbol of her power, almost alluding to the words she spoke in the holy Gospel: Fecit mihi magna qui potens est. He, God, who is mighty, has done great things for me. With her left hand she holds the Child whose arms are open, thus offering graces and mercy to those who have recourse to his August Mother. On her head she has the diadem or crown with which she is proclaimed Queen of heaven and earth. From above descends a ray of heavenly light, which from the eye of God comes to rest on Mary’s head. In it are written the words: virtus altissimi obumbrabit tibi: the virtue of the Most High God will overshadow you, that is, will cover you and strengthen you.
            From the opposite side other rays descend from the dove, Holy Spirit, which also come to rest on Mary’s head with the words in the middle: Ave, gratia plena: God save you O Mary, you are full of grace.. This was the greeting given to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel when he announced to her in the name of God that she was to become the Mother of the Saviour.
            Further down are the Holy Apostles and Evangelists St Luke and St Mark in somewhat larger-than-life figures. They are enraptured, as if exclaiming: Regina Apostolorum, ora pro nobis. They gaze astonished at the Blessed Virgin who appears to them majestically above the clouds. Finally, at the bottom of the painting is the city of Turin with other devotees thanking the Blessed Virgin for the favours received and beseeching her to continue to show herself mother of mercy in the grave dangers of the present life.
            In general, the work is well expressed, well-proportioned, natural; but the value that will never be lost is the religious idea that gives rise to a devout impression in the heart of anyone who admires it.

(continued)

Don Bosco’s dreams are gifts from on high to guide, warn, correct, encourage. Some of them were set down in writing and have been preserved. One of these – made at the beginning of the saint’s mission – is the dream about the pergola of roses, which he had in 1847. We present it in full.

             Don Bosco first related it himself seventeen years later in 1864 when one night, after prayers, as was his custom at times, he gathered the members of his [infant] Congregation in his anteroom for a conference. Among those present were Father Victor Alasonatti, Father Michael Rua, Father John Cagliero, Father Celestine Durando and [the two clerics] Joseph Lazzero and Julius Barberis. After speaking of detachment from the world and from one’s own family to follow Our Lord’s example, he continued:
            I have already told you of several things I saw as in a dream. From them we can infer how much Our Lady loves and helps us. But now that we are all together alone, I am going to tell you not just another dream, but something that Our Lady herself graciously showed me. I am doing this that each of us may be convinced that it is Our Lady Herself who wants our Congregation. This should spur us to work ever harder for God’s greater glory. She wants us to place all our trust in Her. I am taking you into my confidence. Please do not mention what I tell you to anyone else in this house or to outsiders, lest you give evil tongues occasion to wag.

            One day in 1847, after I had spent much time reflecting on how I might help others, especially the young, the Queen of Heaven appeared to me. She led me into a beautiful garden. There stood there a rustic but wide and charming portico built as a vestibule. Its pillars were dressed with climbing vines whose tendrils, thick with leaves and flowers, stretched upward together and knitted a graceful awning. The portico opened on a lovely walk that soon became, as far as the eye could see, a breathtakingly beautiful pergola, whose sides were lined with enchanting roses in full bloom. The ground too was covered with roses. The Blessed Virgin said to me: “Take off your shoes!” When I had done so, She added: “Walk under that rose pergola, for this is the path you must take.”
            I gladly removed my shoes because it would have been a pity to step on such gorgeous roses. I took but a few steps and immediately felt very sharp thorns piercing my feet and making them bleed. I had to stop and turn back.
             “I had better wear my shoes,” I told my guide.
             “Yes, indeed,” She replied, “sturdy ones.” So I put my shoes on again and returned to the rose pergola, followed by a number of helpers who had just showed up and asked to go along with me. They followed me under the indescribably beautiful pergola, but as I went along I noted that it was becoming narrow and low. Many of its branches were draped like festoons; others instead just dropped straight down. Some branches, here and there, jutted sideways from the rose stalks, while others formed a thicket which partly blocked the path; still others crept along the ground. All the branches, however, were thick with roses. There were roses about me, roses above me, and roses under my feet.
            As my feet made me wince with pain, I could not help brushing against the roses at my sides, and even sharper thorns pricked me. But I kept walking. My lacerated legs, though, kept getting entangled in the lower branches. Whenever I pushed aside a bough barring my way, or skirted the sides of the pergola to avoid it, the thorns dug into me and made me bleed all over. The roses overhead also were thick with thorns which pricked my head. Notwithstanding, I went forward, encouraged by the Blessed Virgin. Now and then, however, some sharper thorns pierced me more than others and caused greater pain.
            Meanwhile those who were watching me walk under that bower – and they were a crowd – passed comments, such as, “How lucky Don Bosco is! His path is forever strewn with roses! He hasn’t a worry in the world. No troubles at all!” But they couldn’t see the thorns that were piercing my poor legs. I called on many priests, clerics, and laymen to follow me, and they did so joyfully, enthralled by the beauty of the flowers. When, however, they discovered that they had to walk over sharp thorns and that there was no way to avoid them, they loudly began complaining, “We have been fooled!”
            I answered: “If you are out for a nice time, you had better go back. If not, follow me.”
Many turned back. After going on for a while, I turned to look at my followers. You cannot imagine how I felt when I saw that some had disappeared and others had already turned back and were walking away. I went after them and called them back, but it was useless; they would not even listen to me. Then I broke into tears and wept unrestrainedly as I asked myself: “Must I walk this painful path all alone?”
            But I was soon comforted. I saw a group of priests, clerics and laymen coming toward me. “Here we are,” they said. “We are all yours and ready to follow you.” So I led them forward. Only a few lost heart and quit; most of them followed me through.
            After walking the whole length of the pergola I found myself in another enchanting garden, and my few followers gathered around me. They were exhausted, ragged and bleeding, but a cool breeze healed them all.
            Another gust of wind came and, like magic, I found myself surrounded by a vast crowd of boys, young clerics, coadjutor brothers and even priests, who began helping me care for all those boys. Many of these helpers I knew, but many more were strangers.
            Meanwhile I had come to a higher spot in the garden, where a very imposing, majestic building stood. I entered and found myself in a spacious hall so grandiose that I doubt one could find its like in any royal palace. Fresh thornless roses, set all through the hall, filled it with a most delicate fragrance. The Blessed Virgin, who had been my guide all along, now asked me: “Do you grasp the meaning of what you now see and of what you saw before?”
             “No,” I said. “Please explain it to me.”
            She replied: “The path strewn with roses and thorns is an image of your mission among boys. You must wear shoes, a symbol of mortification. The thorns on the ground stand for sensible affections, human likes and dislikes which distract the educator from his true goal, weaken and halt him in his mission, and hinder his progress and heavenly harvest.
            The roses symbolize the burning charity which must be your distinguishing trait and that of your fellow workers. The other thorns stand for the obstacles, sufferings and disappointments you will experience. But you must not lose heart. Charity and mortification will enable you to overcome all difficulties and lead you to roses without thorns.”
As soon as the Mother of God finished speaking, I awoke and found myself in my room.
            Don Bosco understood the purport of the dream and concluded by saying that from then on he knew exactly the path he had to follow. Already known to him were the obstacles and snares with which his adversaries would attempt to block his progress. Many would be the thorns on his path, but he was sure, absolutely sure, of God’s will in the matter and of the ultimate success of his great undertaking.
            The dream also warned him not to be discouraged by the defection of some who seemed called to help him in his work. Those who first deserted him were priests and laymen who in the early days of the festive oratory had volunteered to help him. Those who came later were his own Salesians, and the wind symbolized the forthcoming divine assistance and comfort. On a later occasion Don Bosco revealed that this dream or vision was repeated in 1848 and in 1856, each time under slightly different circumstances, which we have integrated in our narration to avoid repetitions.
(BM III, 25-28)

(continuation from previous article)

Chapter XV. Devotion and plans for a church to Mary Help in Turin.

            Before speaking of the church built in Turin in honour of Mary Help of Christians, it is worth noting that the devotion of the people of Turin to this heavenly Benefactress goes back to the earliest days of Christianity. St Maximus, the first bishop of this city, speaks of it as a public and ancient fact.
            The shrine of the Consolata is a wonderful monument to what we are saying. But after the victory at Lepanto, the people in Turin were the first to invoke Mary under the special title of Help of Christians. Cardinal Maurice, Prince of Savoy greatly promoted this devotion, and at the beginning of the 10th century he had a chapel built in the church of St Francis di Paola with an altar and a beautiful statue dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, made of precious and elegant marble. The Virgin is presented holding the Divine Child in her hand.
            This prince was a fervent devotee of Mary Help of Christians, and as he often made an offering of his heart to his heavenly Mother during his lifetime, so when he died he left in his will that his heart, as the dearest pledge of himself, be placed in a casket and placed in the wall to the right of the altar.[1]
            Time having worn and rendered this chapel somewhat shabby, King Victor Emmanuel II ordered everything to be restored at his own expense.
            Thus the floor, the predella, and the altar itself were as new.
            Observing the people’s recourse to Mary Help of Christians to be a very effective means of obtaining extraordinary graces, they began to join the Confraternity in Munich, Bavaria, but because of the overwhelming number of members, a Confraternity was established in this same church. It received the apostolic approval of Pope Pius VI, who granted many indulgences with other spiritual favours by rescript of 9 February 1798.
            Thus, the devotion of the people of Turin to the august Mother of the Saviour was becoming ever more widespread, and its most salutary effects were felt when the plan for a church to be dedicated to Mary Help of Christians was conceived in Valdocco, a densely populated district of the city. Many thousands of citizens lived here without a church of any kind other than the one in Borgo Dora, which however could not hold more than 1,500 people.[2]
            There were the small churches of the Little House of Divine Providence and the Oratory of St Francis de Sales in this district, but both were barely sufficient to serve their respective communities.
            In the fervent desire, therefore, to provide for the urgent needs of the inhabitants of Valdocco, and of the many young people who come to the Oratory on Sundays from various parts of the city, and who can no longer be contained in the present little church, it was decided to attempt to build a church with enough capacity for this double purpose. But a very special reason for the construction of this church was a commonly felt need to give a public sign of veneration to the B. Virgin Mary, who, with the heart of a truly merciful Mother, had protected our towns and saved us from the evils to which so many others had succumbed.
            Two things lay ahead to get the pious undertaking off the ground: the location of the building and the title under which it was to be consecrated. So that the designs of Divine Providence could be fulfilled, this church had to be built on Cottolengo Street in a spacious, free site in the centre of that large population. An area was therefore chosen between Cottolengo Street and the Oratory of St Francis de Sales.
            While deliberations were in progress regarding the title under which the new building was to be erected, one incident removed all doubt. The reigning Supreme Pontiff Pius IX, to whom nothing escapes the notice of what can be advantageous to Religion, having been informed of the need for a church in the above-mentioned place, sent his first gracious offering of 500 francs, making it known that Mary Help of Christians would certainly be a title pleasing to the august Queen of Heaven. He then accompanied the charitable offering with a special blessing to the donors adding these words: “May this small offering have more powerful and generous donors who will cooperate in promoting the glory of the august Mother of God on earth, and thus increase the number of those who will one day make her glorious crown in heaven.”
            Having thus established the place and the name of the building, a well-deserving engineer, Antonio Spezia, came up with the design and developed it in the form of a Latin cross over an area of 1,200 square metres. During this time there were many difficulties but the Blessed Virgin, who wanted this building for her greater glory, dispelled, or better still, removed all the obstacles that were present at the time, and ones that would become more serious in the future. Therefore, it merely remained to begin the longed-for building.

Chapter XVI. Initial works and the laying of the foundation stone.

            Once the excavations had been made to the usual depth, we were about to lay the first stones and the first lime, when we realised that the foundations were resting on top of alluvial soil and therefore unable to support the foundations of a building of that size. Therefore, the excavations had to be further deepened and a strong and wide piling made corresponding to the periphery of the planned building.
            The piling and digging to a considerable depth was a cause of greater expense, both for the increase in work and for the increased amount of materials and timbers that had to be placed underground. Nevertheless, the work continued apace, and on 27 April 1865 the foundations could be blessed and the cornerstone laid.
            In order to understand the meaning of this event, it should be noted that it is the discipline of the Catholic Church that no one should begin the construction of a sacred building without the express permission of the bishop, under whose jurisdiction the land to be used for this purpose is found. Aedificare ecclesiam nemo potest, nisi auctoritate dioecesani.[3]
            After the Bishop has seen the need for the Church and determined its location, he goes to lay the cornerstone, either in person or through one of his delegates. This stone is Jesus Christ, who is called in the sacred books the cornerstone, that is, the foundation of all authority, of all holiness. By this act, the Bishop shows that he derives his authority from Jesus Christ, to whom this building belongs and on whom every religious practice that will take place in this Church in the future must depend, while the Bishop, by laying the cornerstone, takes spiritual possession of it.
            The faithful of the early Church, when they wished to build any church, first marked the site with a cross to denote that the site, having been destined for the worship of the true God, could no longer be for secular use.
            The blessing is then made by the bishop as the patriarch Jacob did when in a desert he raised a stone over which he made a sacrifice to the Lord: Lapis iste, quem erexi in titulum, vocabitur domus Dei.
            It is good here to note that every church, and every worship exercised in it, is always addressed to God, to whom every act, every word, every sign is dedicated and consecrated. This religious act is called Latria, or supreme worship, or service par excellence that is rendered to God alone. Churches are also dedicated to the saints with a second form of veneration called Dulia, which means service rendered to the Lord’s servants.
            When the veneration is addressed to the Blessed Virgin, it is called Hyperdulia, that is, service above and beyond that which is rendered to the saints.  But the glory and honour given to the saints and the B. Virgin do not remain in them, but pass through them to God, who is the goal of our prayers and actions. Hence the churches are all consecrated first to God Optimus Maximus, then to the B. Virgin Mary; then to some saint at the will of the faithful. Thus we read that St Mark the Evangelist in Alexandria consecrated a church to God and to his master St Peter the Apostle.[4]
            It is also worth noting with regard to these ceremonies that sometimes the bishop blesses the cornerstone and some distinguished personage lays it in its place, and puts the first lime on it. Thus we have from history that the Supreme Pontiff Innocent X in the year 1652 blessed the cornerstone of the church of St Agnes in Piazza Navona, while Prince Pamfili Duke of Carpinete laid it down in the foundations.
            Thus in our case Bishop Odone of happy memory, bishop of Susa, was in charge of conducting the religious service while Prince Amadeus of Savoy placed the cornerstone in its place and put the first lime on it.
            Therefore on 27 April 1865, the religious service began at two o’clock in the afernoon. The weather was clear, there were many people, the aristocracy of Turin and also others from outside Turin attended. The boys from the house at Mirabello on that occasion had come to form a kind of army with the boys in Turin.
            After the prescribed prayers and psalms, the venerable Prelate sprinkled holy water on the foundations of the building, then went to the pillar of the dome on the Gospel side, which was already at the level of the current floor. Here a record was made of what was done, and it was read aloud as follows:
The year of the Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, the twenty-seventh day of April, two o’clock in the afternoon; the tenth year of the Pontificate of Pius IX, of the Count and Countess Mastai Ferretti happily reigning; the tenth year of the reign of Victor Emmanuel II; the archiepiscopal See of Turin being vacant due to the death of Archbishop Luigi dei Marchesi Franzoni, the Chapter Vicar  Collegiate Father Giuseppe Zappata; Parish Priest of the Parish of Borgo Dora Father Cattino Cav. Agostino; director of the Oratory of St. Francis, Father Bosco Giovanni; in the presence of HRH Prince Amadeus of Savoy, Duke of Aosta; Count Costantino Radicati Prefect of Turin; the Municipal Council represented by the Mayor of this city Lucerna di Rorà Marquis Emanuele, and the Commission promoting this church[5] to be dedicated to God Optimus Maximus and Mary Help of Christians, Bishop Odone G. Antonio bishop of Susa, having received the appropriate faculty from the Ordinary of this Archdiocese, proceeded to bless the foundations of this church and placed the cornerstone of the same in the large pillar of the dome on the Gospel side of the high altar. Enclosed in this stone were a number of coins of different metal and value, some medals bearing the effigy of the Supreme Pontiff Pius IX and our Sovereign, and an inscription in Latin recalling the object of this sacred ceremony The well-deserving engineer architect Cav. Spezia Antonio, who conceived the design and with a Christian spirit lent and still lends his services in the management of the work.
            The form of the church is that of a Latin cross, with a surface area of one thousand two hundred metres; the reason for this construction is the lack of churches among the faithful of Valdocco, and to give a public attestation of gratitude to the great Mother of God for the great benefices received, for those that are expected in greater numbers from this heavenly Benefactress. The work was begun, and it is hoped that it will be brought to a happy conclusion with the charity of the devout.
            The inhabitants of Valdocco, the people of Turin and other faithful benefited by Mary, now gathered in this blessed enclosure, unanimously send to the Lord God, to the Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, a fervent prayer to obtain from heaven abundant blessings on the people of Turin, on Christians throughout the world, and especially on the Supreme Head of the Catholic Church, the promoter and distinguished benefactor of this sacred edifice, on all the ecclesiastical authorities, on our august Sovereign, and on the entire Royal Family, and especially on H. R. H. Prince Amedeo, the Supreme Commander of the Catholic Church, the promoter and distinguished benefactor of this sacred edifice, on all the ecclesiastical authorities, on our august Sovereign, and on the entire Royal Family, and especially on H. R. H. the Most Excellent Prince of the Order of Malta. HRH Prince Amadeus, who by accepting the humble invitation gave a sign of veneration to the great Mother of God. May the august Queen of Heaven assure a place in eternal beatitude to all those who have given or will give work to complete this sacred edifice, or in some other way contribute to increasing the worship and glory of Her above the earth.”
            Having read and approved this report, it was signed by all those named above and by the most illustrious persons present. It was then folded and wrapped with the design of the church and some other writing, and placed in a specially prepared glass vase. It was hermetically, sealed and placed in the hollow made in the middle of the foundation stone. Blessed by the bishop, more stone was placed on top, and Prince Amadeus placed the first lime on it. Afterwards, the masons continued their work up to the height of over a metre.
            After the other religious rites were completed, the aforementioned personalities visited the establishment, then attended a performance by the young people themselves. Various        poems written for the occasion were read to them, various pieces of vocal and instrumental music were performed, with a dialogue, in which a historical account of the solemnity of the day was given.[6]
            At the end of the pleasant entertainment the day ended with a devout thanksgiving to the Lord with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. H.R.H. and his entourage left the Oratory at 5 30 p.m., each one showing himself fully satisfied.
Among other tokens of appreciation, the Augustus Prince offered the gracious sum of Fr. 500 from his special box, and gave his gymnastics equipment to the young people of this establishment. Shortly afterwards, the engineer was decorated with the cross of Saints Maurice and Lazarus.

(continued)

---

[1] Upon the death of that prince, Count Tesauro made the following epigraph, which was carved into the floor of the altar.
D. O. M.
SERENISSIMIS PRINCEPS MAURITIUS SABAUDIAE
MELIOREM SUI PARTEM
COR
QUOD VIVENS
SUMMAE REGINAE COELORUM LITAVERAT
MORIENS CONSECRAVIT
HICQUE AD MINIMOS QUOS CORDE DILIGERAT
APPONI VOLUIT
CLAUSIT ULTIMUM DIEM
QUINTO NONAS OCTOBRIS MDCLVII.

[2] This district is called Valdocco from the initials Val. Oc. Vallis Occisorum or valley of the slain, because it was watered with the blood of Saints Adventor and Octavius, who brought the palm of martyrdom here.

From the parish church of Borgo Dora, if you draw a line to the church of the Consolata and the one in Borgo s.. Donato; then across to the Royal Forge (cannons) as far as the river Dora, you have an area covered with houses, where more than 35,000 inhabitants lived, for whom there was no public church.

[3] Council Aurelian. dist. l, De consacr.

[4] See Moroni, article Churches.

[5] Members of the commission promoting the lottery for this church.

LUCERNA DI RORA’ March. Emanuele Mayor of the City of Turin Honorary President

SCARAMPI DI PRUNEY March. LODOVICO President

FASSATI March. DOMENICO V. President

MORIS Comm. GIUSEPPE Municipal Councillor V. Chairman

GRIBAUDI Mr GIOVANNI Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. Secretary

OREGLIA DI S. STEFANO Cav. FEDERICO Secretary

COTTA Commendatore GIUSEPPE Senator of the Kingdom Cashier

ANZINO Theolog. Can. VALERIO Chaplain to His Majesty

BERTONE DI SAMBUY Count ERNESTO Exhibition Director

BOGGIO Bar. GIUSEPPE Exhibition Director

BOSCO DI RUFFINO Cav. ALERAMO

BONA COMRNEN. Director-General of Southern Railways

BOSCO sac. GIOVANNI Director of the Oratories

CAYS OF GILEITA Count CARLO Exhibition Director

DUPRA’ Cav. GIO. Batt. Accountant to the Chamber of Accounts

DUPRÈ Cav. GIUSEPPE Municipal Councillor

FENOGLIO Commendatore PIETRO General Bursar

FERRARI OF CASTELNUOVO March. EVASIO

GIRIODI Cav. CARLO Exhibition Director

MINELLA sac. VINCENZO Exhibition Director

PERNATI DI MOMO Cav. Comm. Minister of State, Senator of the Kingdom

PATERI Cav. ILARIO Prof. and Municipal Councillor

PROVANA OF COLLEGNO Count and lawyer ALESSANDRO

RADICATI Count COSTANTINO Prefect

REBAUDENGO Comm. Gio. Secretary General of the Minister of the Royal Household

SCARAMPI DI VILLANUOVA Cav. CLEMENTE Exhibition Director

SOLARO DELLA MARGHERITA Count ALBERTO

SPERINO Comm. CASIMIRO Doctor of Medicine

UCCELLETTI Mr CARLO Exhibition Director

VOGLIOTTI Cav. ALESSANDRO Can. Pro-Vicar General

VILLA DI MOMPASCALE Count GIUSEPPE Exhibition Director

VIRETTI Mr MAURIZIO Lawyer Exhibition Director

[6] One of the poems with the dialogue and inscription can be read in the Appendix at the end of the booklet.

The series of Don Bosco’s ‘dreams’ begins with the one he had at the age of nine, around 1824. It is one of the most important, if not the most important, because it points to a mission entrusted by Providence that takes concrete form in a particular charism in the Church. Many others will follow, most of them collected in the Biographical Memoirs and taken up in other publications dedicated to this subject. We propose to present the most relevant ones in several subsequent articles.

            When I was about nine years old I had a dream that left a profound
impression on me for the rest of my life. I dreamed that I was near my home, in a very large playing field where a crowd of children were having fun. Some were laughing, others were playing and not a few were cursing. I was so shocked at their language that I jumped into their midst, swinging wildly and shouting at them to stop. At that moment a Man appeared, nobly attired, with a manly and imposing bearing. He was clad with a white flowing mantle and his face radiated
such light that I could not look directly at him. He called me by my name and told me to place myself as leader over those boys, adding the words:
“You will have to win these friends of yours not with blows, but with gentleness and kindness. So begin right now to show them that sin is ugly and virtue beautiful.”
Confused and afraid, I replied that I was only a boy and unable to talk to these youngsters about religion. At that moment the fighting, shouting and cursing stopped and the crowd of boys gathered about the Man who was now talking. Almost unconsciously I asked:
“But how can you order me to do something that looks so impossible?”
“What seems so impossible you must achieve by being obedient and  by acquiring knowledge.”
“But where, how?”
“I will give you a Teacher, under whose guidance you will learn and without whose help all knowledge becomes foolishness.”
“But who are you?”
“I am the Son of Her whom your mother has taught you to greet three times a day.”
“My mother told me not to talk to people I don’t know, unless she gives me permission. So, please tell me your name.”
“Ask my mother.”
“At that moment I saw beside him a Lady of majestic appearance, wearing a beautiful mantle glowing as if bedecked with stars. She saw my confusion mount; so she beckoned me to her. Taking my hand with great kindness she said:
“Look!”
I did so. All the children had vanished. In their place I saw many animals: goats, dogs, cats, bears and a variety of others.
“This is your field, this is where you must work,” the Lady told me. “Make yourself humble, steadfast and strong. And what you will see happen to these animals you will have to do for my children.”
“I looked again; the wild animals had turned into as many lambs, gentle gamboling Iambs, bleating a welcome for that Man and Lady. At this point of my dream I started to cry and begged the Lady to explain what it all meant because I was so utterly confused. She then placed her hand on my head and said: “In due time everything will be clear to you.”
After she had spoken these words, some noise awoke me; everything had vanished. I was completely bewildered. Somehow my hands still seemed to ache and my cheeks still stung because of all the fighting. Moreover, my conversation with that Man and Lady so disturbed my mind that I was unable to sleep any longer that night.
In the morning I could barely wait to tell about my dream. When my brothers heard it, they burst out laughing. I then told my mother and grandmother. Each one who heard it gave it a different interpretation. My brother Joseph said: “You’re going to become a shepherd and take care of goats, sheep and livestock.” My mother’s comment was: “Who knows? Maybe you will become a priest.” Dryly, Anthony muttered: “You might become the leader of a gang of robbers.” But my very religious, illiterate grandmother, had the last word: “You mustn’t pay any attention to dreams.”
I felt the same way about it, yet I could never get that dream out of my head. What I am about to relate may give some new insight to it. I never brought up the matter and my relatives gave no importance to it. But in 1858, when I went to Rome to confer with the Pope about the Salesian Congregation, Pius IX asked me to tell him everything that might have even only the slightest bearing on the supernatural. Then for the first time I told him the dream that I had when I was nine. The Pope ordered me to write it in detail for the encouragement of the members of the Congregation, for whose sake I had gone to Rome.
(Memoirs of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales. John Bosco; BM I, 95-96)

(continuation from previous article)

Chapter XIII. Institution of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians.

            The marvellous way in which Pius VII was freed from his imprisonment is the great event that gave occasion for the institution of the feast of Mary Help of Christians.
            The Emperor Napoleon I had already in several ways oppressed the Supreme Pontiff, stripping him of his possessions, dispersing Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Monks, and likewise depriving them of their goods. After this Napoleon demanded things from the Pope that he could not grant. To Pius VII’s refusal, the Emperor responded with violence and sacrilege. The Pope was arrested in his own palace and with Cardinal Pacca, his secretary, taken on a forced journey to Savona where the persecuted but still glorious Pontiff spent over five years in severe imprisonment. But since where there is the Pope there is the Head of Religion and therefore the concurrence of all true Catholics, so Savona became in a certain way another Rome. So many demonstrations of affection moved the Emperor to envy, wanting the Vicar of Jesus Christ humiliated; and therefore he commanded that the Pontiff be moved to Fontainebleau, which is a castle not far from Paris.
            While the Head of the Church groaned as a prisoner separated from his advisers and friends, all that remained for Christians to do was to imitate the faithful of the early Church when St Peter was in prison, to pray. The venerable Pontiff prayed, and with him all Catholics prayed, imploring the help of She who is called: Magnum in Ecclesia praesidium: Great Presidium in the Church. It is commonly believed that the Pontiff promised the Blessed Virgin to establish a feast to honour the august title of Mary Help of Christians, should he be able to return to Rome on the Papal throne. Meanwhile everything smiled on the terrible conqueror. After he had made his dreaded name resound throughout the land, walking from victory to victory, he had taken his weapons to the coldest regions of Russia, believing he would find new triumphs there; but divine Providence had instead prepared disasters and defeats for him.
            Mary, moved to pity by the groans of the Vicar of Jesus Christ and the prayers of her children, changed the fate of Europe and the whole world in a moment.
            The rigours of winter in Russia and the disloyalty of many French generals dashed all of Napoleon’s hopes. Most of that formidable army perished frostbitten or buried in snow. The few troops spared from the rigours of the cold abandoned the Emperor and he had to flee, retreat to Paris and deliver himself into the hands of the British, who took him prisoner to the island of Elba. Then justice was able to take its course again; the Pontiff was quickly set free; Rome welcomed him with the greatest enthusiasm, and the Head of Christendom, now free and independent, was able to resume the administration of the universal Church. Having been freed in this way, Pius VII immediately wished to give a public sign of gratitude to the Blessed Virgin by whose intercession the whole world recognised his unexpected freedom. Accompanied by some Cardinals, he went to Savona where he crowned the prodigious image of Mercy that is venerated in that city; and with an unprecedented crowd in the presence of King Victor Emmanuel I and other Princes, the majestic function was held in which the Pope placed a crown of gems and diamonds on the head of the venerable effigy of Mary.
            Returning then to Rome, he wished to fulfil the second part of his promise by instituting a special feast in the Church, to attest to posterity that great prodigy.
            Considering, then, how at all times the Blessed Virgin has always been proclaimed the help of Christians, he relied on what St Pius V had done after the victory of Lepanto by ordering the words to be inserted into the Loreto Litany: Auxilium Christianorum ora pro nobis; explaining and expanding more and more the fourth feast day that Pope Innocent XI had decreed when he instituted the feast of the name of Mary; Pius VII, in order to perpetually commemorate the prodigious liberation of himself, the Cardinals, the Bishops and the freedom restored to the Church, and so that there might be a perpetual monument to it among all Christian peoples, instituted the feast of Mary Help of Christians to be celebrated every year on 24 May. That day was chosen because it was on that day in the year 1814 that he was set free and was able to return to Rome to the liveliest applause of the Romans. (Those who wish to learn more about what we have briefly set out here can consult Artaud: Vita di Pio VII. Moroni article Pius VII. P. Carini: Il sabato santificato. Carlo Ferreri: Corona di fiori etc. Discursus praedicabiles super litanias Lauretanas by Fr. Giuseppe Miecoviense). As long as he lived, the glorious Pontiff Pius VII promoted the cult of Mary; he approved associations and Confraternities dedicated to Her, and granted many Indulgences to pious practices done in Her honour. One fact alone is enough to demonstrate the great veneration of this Pontiff towards Mary Help of Christians.
            In the year 1817 a painting was completed that was to be placed in Rome in the church of S. Maria in Monticelli directed by the Priests of the Christian doctrine. On 11 May that painting was brought to the Pontiff in the Vatican so that he could bless it, and impose a title on it. As soon as he saw the devout image, he felt such great emotion in his heart, that without any prevention, he instantly burst out in the magnificent preface: Maria Auxilium Christianorum, ora pro nobis. These words of the Holy Father were echoed by the devout Sons of Mary and at the first unveiling of that (15th of the same month) there was a real rapture of people, joy and devotion. The offerings and fervent prayers have continued to the present day. So that it can be said that that image is continually surrounded by devotees who ask for and obtain graces through the intercession of Mary, Help of Christians.

Chapter XIV. Finding of the image of Maria Auxilium Christianorum in Spoleto.

            In recounting the story of the discovery of the prodigious image of Maria Auxilium Christianorum in the vicinity of Spoleto, we literally transcribe the report made by Monsignor Arnaldi Archbishop of that city.
            In the Parish of St Luke between Castelrinaldi and Montefalco Archdiocese of Spoleto, in the open countryside far from the town and off the road, there existed on the summit of a small hill an ancient image of the Blessed Virgin Mary painted in fresco in a niche in the attitude of embracing the Child Jesus. Next to this, four images representing St Bartholomew, St Sebastian, St Blaise and St Roch appear to have been altered by time. Exposed to the elements for a long time, they had not only lost their vividness, but had almost entirely disappeared. Only the venerable image of Mary and the Child Jesus has been well preserved. There is still a remnant of a wall that shows that a church existed there. For as long as anyone can remember, this place was totally forgotten, and was reduced to a den of reptiles and particularly snakes.
            For several months already, this venerable image had somehow encouraged veneration by means of a voice repeatedly heard by a not-yet-five-year-old boy named Henry, calling him by name and addressing him in a way not well expressed by the boy himself. However, it did not attract the public’s attention until 19 March in the year 1862.
            A young peasant from the surrounding area, aged thirty, subsequently aggravated by many ills which had become chronic, and abandoned by his doctors, felt inspired to go and venerate the above-mentioned image. He declared that, after commending himself to the Blessed Virgin in this place, he felt his lost strength restored, and in a few days, without the use of any natural remedy, he returned to perfect health. Other people likewise, without knowing how or why, felt a natural impulse to go and venerate this holy image, and they reported reported graces from it. These events brought back to memory and to discussion among the people of Terrazzana the by now dormant voice of the above-mentioned child to whom no credit and importance had naturally been given, as it should have been. It was then that it became known how the child’s mother had lost him in the circumstances of the supposed apparition and could not find him, and finally found him near a high, crumbling little church. It is also known how a good living woman, afflicted by God with grave afflictions, announced at her death a year ago that the Blessed Virgin wanted to be venerated there, that a church would be built and that the faithful would flock there in great numbers.
            In fact, it is true that a great number of people, not only from the diocese, but also from the neighbouring dioceses of Todi, Perugia, Fuligno, Nocera, Narni, Norcia, etc., flock to the place, and the number grows from day to day, especially on feast days, to five or six thousand. This is the greatest miracle that has been truly reported, since it is not seen in other prodigious discoveries.
            The great concourse of the faithful who flock from all sides as if led by a light and a celestial force, a spontaneous concourse, an inexplicable and inexpressible concourse, is the miracle of miracles. The very enemies of the Church, also those whose faith is weak, are forced to confess that they cannot explain this sacred enthusiasm of the people…. Many are the infirm who are said to have been healed, the prodigious and singular graces bestowed are many, and although it is necessary to proceed with the utmost caution to discern rumours from facts, it seems undoubtedly true that a civilised woman lay afflicted with a mortal illness and was healed by invoking that sacred image. A young man from the Villa of St James, who had his feet crushed by the wheels of a cart and was forced to stand on crutches, visited the holy image and felt such an improvement that he threw away his crutches and was able to return home without them, and is perfectly free. Other cures also occurred.
            It must not be forgotten that some unbelievers, having gone to visit the holy image and mocked it, came to the place and, against their better judgement, felt the need to kneel down and pray, and returned with completely different feelings, speaking publicly of Mary’s wonders. The change produced in these corrupt people of mind and heart made a holy impression on the people. (Archbishop Arnaldi so far).
            This Archbishop wanted to go himself with numerous clergy and his Vicar to the place of the image to ascertain the truth of the facts, and he found thousands of devotees there. He ordered the restoration of the effigy, which was broken in various parts, and having already collected the sum of six hundred scudi in pious donations, he commissioned skilful artists to design a church, insisting that the foundations be laid with the utmost care.
            To further the glory of Mary and the devotion of the faithful to so great a Mother, he ordered that the niche where the miraculous image is venerated be temporarily but decently covered, and that an altar be erected there to celebrate Holy Mass.
            These dispositions were of indescribable consolation to the faithful, and from then on the number of people from all walks of life grew daily.
            The devout image had no title of its own, and the pious Archbishop judged that it should be venerated under the name of Auxilium Christianorum as seemed most suitable to the attitude it presented. He also provided that there should always be a priest in custody of the Sanctuary or at least some layman of known probity.
            This prelate’s report ends with an account of a new trait of Mary’s goodness worked behind the invocation at the ‘feet’ of this image.
            “A young girl from Acquaviva was a postualnt at this Monastery of St Mary of the Star, where she was to wear the habit of a conversa. She was struck down by a general rheumatic illness so that all her limbs paralysed, and she was forced to return to her family.
            “No matter how many remedies were tried by her good parents, she could never be cured; and four years had passed since she had been lying in bed, the victim of her chronic condition. On hearing the graces of this miraculous effigy, she wished to be taken there in a carriage, and as soon as she found herself before the venerable image, she experienced a remarkable improvement. Other singular graces are said to have been obtained by people from Fuligno.
            “Devotion to Mary is always growing in a way that is most consoling to my heart. May God always be blessed who in his mercy has deigned to revive the faith throughout Umbria with the prodigious manifestation of his great Mother Mary. Blessed be the Blessed Virgin who with this manifestation deigned to point out in preference the Archdiocese of Spoleto.
            Blessed be Jesus and Mary who with this merciful manifestation open the hearts of Catholics to a more lively hope.

            Spoleto, 17 May 1862.”

† GIOVANNI BATTISTA ARNALDI.

            Thus, the venerable image of Mary Help of Christians near Spoleto painted in 1570, which remained almost three centuries without honour, has risen to the highest glory in our times because of the graces that the Queen of Heaven bestows on her devotees in that place: and that humble place has become a true sanctuary, where people from all over the world flock. The devout and beneficent children of Mary gave signs of gratitude with conspicuous donations through which the foundations of a majestic church could be laid, which will soon reach its desired completion.

(continued)

Among Don Bosco’s dreams, one of the best known is the one known as the “Dream of the two columns”. He recounted it on the evening of 30 May 1862.

            “A few nights ago I had a dream. True, dreams are nothing but dreams, but still I’ll tell it to you for your spiritual benefit, just as I would tell you even my sins-only I’m afraid I’d send you scurrying away before the roof fell in. Try to picture yourselves with me on the seashore, or, better still, on an outlying cliff with no other land in sight. The vast expanse of water is covered with a formidable array of ships in battle formation, prows fitted with sharp, spearlike beaks capable of breaking through any defense. All are heavily armed with cannons, incendiary bombs, and firearms of all sorts-even books-and are heading toward one stately ship, mightier than them all. As they close in, they try to ram it, set it afire, and cripple it as much as possible.

This stately vessel is shielded by a flotilla escort. Winds and waves are with the enemy. In the midst of this endless sea, two solid columns, a short distance apart, soar high into the sky: one is surmounted by a statue of the Immaculate Virgin at whose feet a large inscription reads: Auxilium Christianorum [Help of Christians]; the other, far loftier and sturdier, supports a Host of proportionate size and bears beneath it the inscription Salus credentium [Salvation of believers].

The flagship commander-the Roman Pontiff-seeing the enemy’s fury and his auxiliary ships’ very grave predicament, summons his captains to a conference. However, as they discuss their strategy, a furious storm breaks out and they must return to their ships.

When the storm abates, the Pope again summons his captains as the flagship keeps on its course. But the storm rages again. Standing at the helm, the Pope strains every muscle to steer his ship between the two columns from whose summits hang many anchors and strong hooks linked to chains.

The entire enemy fleet closes in to intercept and sink the flagship at all costs. They bombard it with everything they have: books and pamphlets, incendiary bombs, firearms, cannons. The battle rages ever more furious. Beaked prows ram the flagship again and again, but to no avail, as, unscathed and undaunted, it keeps on its course. At times a formidable ram splinters a gaping hole into its hull, but, immediately, a breeze from the two columns instantly seals the gash.

Meanwhile, enemy cannons blow up, firearms and beaks fall to pieces, ships crack up and sink to the bottom. In blind fury the enemy takes to hand-to-hand combat, cursing and blaspheming. Suddenly the Pope falls, seriously wounded. He is instantly helped up but, struck down a second time, dies. A shout of victory rises from the enemy and wild rejoicing sweeps their ships. But no sooner is the Pope dead than another takes his place. The captains of the auxiliary ships elected him so quickly that the news of the Pope’s death coincides with that of his
successor’s election. The enemy’s self-assurance wanes.

Breaking through all resistance, the new Pope steers his ship safely between the two columns and moors it to the two columns; first, to the one surmounted by the Host, and then to the other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At this point, something unexpected happens. The enemy ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scuttling each other.

Some auxiliary ships which had gallantly fought alongside their flag-ship are the first to tie up at the two columns. Many others, which had fearfully kept far away from the fight, stand still, cautiously waiting until the wrecked enemy ships vanish under the waves. Then, they too head for the two columns, tie up at the swinging hooks, and ride safe and tranquil beside their flagship. A great calm now covers the sea.

“And so,” Don Bosco at this point asked Father Rua, “what do you make of this?”

“I think,” he answered, “that the flagship symbolizes the Church commanded by the Pope; the ships represent mankind; the sea is an image of the world. The flagship’s defenders are the laity loyal to the Church; the attackers are her enemies who strive with every weapon to destroy her. The two columns, I’d say, symbolize devotion to Mary and the Blessed Sacrament.”

Father Rua did not mention the Pope who fell and died. Don Bosco, too, kept silent on this point, simply adding: “Very well, Father, except for one thing: the enemy ships symbolize persecutions. Very grave trials await the Church. What we suffered so far is almost nothing compared to what is going to happen. The enemies of the Church are symbolized by the ships which strive their utmost to sink the flagship. Only two things can save us in such a grave hour: devotion to Mary and frequent Communion. Let’s do our very best to use these two means and have others use them everywhere. Good night!”
(BM VII, 107-109).

* * *

            The Servant of God Cardinal Schuster, Archbishop of Milan, gave so much importance to this vision that in 1953, when he was in Turin as Papal Legate to the National Eucharistic Congress, on the night of 13 September, during the solemn closing Pontifical, on the Piazza Vittorio, packed with people, he gave this dream a relevant part of his Homily.
            He said among other things: “At this solemn hour, in the Eucharistic Turin of Cottolengo and Don Bosco, I am reminded of a prophetic vision that the Founder of the Church of Mary Help of Christians narrated to his community in May 1862. He seemed to see the Church’s fleet being beaten here and there by the waves of a horrible storm; so much so that, at a certain moment, the supreme commander of the captain ship – Pius IX – summoned the commanders of the smaller ships to council.
            Unfortunately the storm, which roared ever more menacingly, interrupted the Vatican Council halfway through (it should be noted that Don Bosco announced these events eight years before they took place). In the ups and downs of those years, twice the same Supreme Pontiffs succumbed to their labours. When the third happened, two pillars began to emerge in the midst of the raging ocean, at the top of which triumphed the symbols of the Eucharist and the Immaculate Virgin.
            At that apparition, the new Pontiff – Blessed Pius X – took heart and with a firm chain, hooked Peter’s capital ship to those two solid pillars, lowering the anchors into the sea.
            Then the smaller ships began to row strenuously to gather around the Pope’s ship, and thus escaped shipwreck.
            History confirmed the prophecy of the Seer. The pontifical beginnings of Pius X with the anchor on his coat of arms coincided precisely with the fiftieth jubilee year of the dogmatic proclamation of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and was celebrated throughout the Catholic world. All of us remember 8 December 1904, when the Pontiff in St Peter’s surrounded the Immaculate Conception’s forehead with a precious crown of gems, consecrating the entire family that Jesus Crucified had committed to her to the Mother.
            Bringing the innocent and infirm children to the Eucharistic Table also became part of the programme of the generous Pontiff, who wanted to restore the whole world in Christ. So it was that, as long as Pius X lived, there was no war, and he deserved the title of peaceful Pontiff of the Eucharist.
            Since that time the international situation has not really improved; so that the experience of three quarters of a century confirms that the fisherman’s ship on the stormy sea can only hope for salvation by hooking up to the two pillars of the Eucharist and Mary Help of Christians, who appeared to Don Bosco in a dream” (L’Italia, 13 September 1953).

            The same saintly Card. Schuster, once told a Salesian: “I have seen the vision of the two columns reproduced. Tell your Superiors that they should have it reproduced in prints and postcards, and spread it throughout the Catholic world, because this vision of Don Bosco’s is very topical: the Church and the Christian people will be saved by these two devotions: the Eucharist and Mary, Help of Christians.”

Fr ZERBINO Peter, sdb

(continuation from previous article)

Chapter 9. Battle of Lepanto.

            Having thus expounded some of the many facts that confirm in general how Mary protects Christian armies when they fight for the faith, let us turn to more particular ones that have given the Church reason to call Mary by the glorious title of Auxilium Christianorum. Chief among them is the battle of Lepanto.
            In the middle of the 16th century, our peninsula was enjoying some peace when a new insurrection from the East came to wreak havoc among the Christians.
            The Turks who had been established in Constantinople for over a hundred years saw with regret that the people of Italy, and particularly the Venetians, possessed islands and cities in the middle of their vast empire. They therefore began to ask the Venetians for the island of Cyprus. When they refused, they took up arms and with an army of eighty thousand foot soldiers, three thousand horses and formidable artillery, led by their own Emperor Selimo II, they besieged Nicosia and Famagusta, the strongest cities on the island. These cities, after heroic defence, both fell under enemy control.
            The Venetians then appealed to the Pope to come to their aid to fight and lower the pride of the enemies of Christianity. The Roman Pontiff, who was then St Pius V, fearing that if the Turks were victorious they would bring desolation and ruin among Christians, thought to engage the powerful intercession of She whom holy Church proclaims as terrible as an army arrayed for battle: Terribilis ut castrorum aeies ordinata. He therefore ordered public prayers for all of Christendom: he appealed to King Philip II of Spain and Duke Emmanuel Philibert.
            The King of Spain set up a mighty army and entrusted it to a younger brother known as Don John of Austria. The Duke of Savoy willingly sent a select number of valiant men who joined the rest of the Italian forces and went to join the Spaniards near Messina.
            The clash with the enemy army took place near the Greek city of Lepanto. The Christians attacked the Turks fiercely; the Turks made fierce resistance. Every vessel turned suddenly amidst whirlwinds of flame and smoke and seemed to spit out lightning from the hundred cannons with which it was armed. Death took all forms, the masts and ropes of the ships broken by the balls fell on the fighters and crushed them. The agonising cries of the wounded mingled with the roar of the waves and cannons. In the midst of the communal upheaval Vernieri, leader of the Christian army, noticed that confusion was beginning to engulf the Turkish ships. Immediately he had a few shallow galleys full of skilled gunners set in place, surrounded the enemy ships, and with cannon shots he ripped them apart and stunned them. At that moment, as the confusion among the enemies increased, great enthusiasm arose among the Christians, and from all sides there was a cry of victory! Victory! and victory was with them. The Turkish ships fled, the Venetians pursued and smashed them; it was no longer battle but a slaughter. The sea was strewn with clothes, sails, shattered ships, blood and mangled bodies; thirty thousand Turks had died; two hundred of their galleys were taken over by the Christians.
            The news of the victory brought universal joy to Christian countries. The senate of Genoa and Venice decreed that 7 October should be a solemn and festive day in perpetuity because it was on this day in the year 1571 that the great battle took place. Among the prayers that the holy Pontiff had ordered for the day of the great battle was the Rosary, and at the very hour that the event took place, he himself prayed the Rosary with a host of faithful gathered with him. At that moment, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and revealed to him the triumph of the Christian ships, a triumph which St Pius V quickly announced in Rome before anyone else had been able to bring the news. Then the holy Pontiff, in gratitude to Mary, to whose patronage he attributed the glory of that day, ordered that a prayer be added to the Litany of Loreto: Maria Auxilium Christianorum, ora pro nobis. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us. The same Pontiff, so that the memory of that prodigious event might be forever remembered, instituted the Solemnity of the Most Holy Rosary to be celebrated every year on the first Sunday in October.

Chapter 10. The Liberation of Vienna.

            In 1683, in order to avenge their defeat at Lepanto, the Turks made plans to take their armies across the Danube and the Rhine, thus threatening the whole of Christendom. With an army of two hundred thousand men advancing in forced marches, they came to lay siege to the walls of Vienna. The Supreme Pontiff, who was then Innocent XI, thought of appealing to the Christian princes, urging them to come to the aid of threatened Christendom. Few, however, responded to the Pontiff’s invitation, for which he, like his predecessor Pius V, decided to place himself under the protection of She whom the Church proclaims terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata. He prayed, and invited the faithful of the whole world to pray with him.
            In the meantime there was general consternation in Vienna and the people, fearing that they would fall into the hands of the infidels, left the city and abandoned everything. The emperor had no forces to oppose the armies and abandoned his capital. Prince Charles of Lorraine, who had scarcely been able to gather thirty thousand Germans, managed to enter the city to somehow attempt its defence. The neighbouring villages were set on fire. On 14 August the Turks opened their trenches from the main gate, and encamped there despite the fire of the besieged city. They then laid siege to all the city walls, set fire to and burnt down several public and private buildings. It was a painful situation that increased the courage of the enemies and decreased that of the besieged.
            They set fire to the Church of the Scots, burned down that superb edifice, and on their way to the arsenal, where the powder and munitions were kept, the city was about to fall to the enemy if, by a very special protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the day of her glorious Assumption, the fire had not been extinguished, thus giving them time to save the military munitions. The sensitive protection of the Mother of God rekindled the courage of the soldiers and inhabitants. On the twenty-second of the same month the Turks attempted to bring down more buildings by throwing a great number of balls and bombs with which they did a great deal of damage, but they could not prevent the inhabitants from begging day and night for heaven’s help in the churches, nor the preachers from exhorting them to place all their trust, after God, in the one who had so often given them powerful help. On the 31st the besiegers pushed their efforts to the limit and the soldiers on both sides fought hand-to-hand.
            The city was a heap of ruins when on the day of the Nativity of Our Lady the Christians redoubled their prayers and, as if by a miracle, received notice that help was at hand. Indeed, the next day, the second day of the octave of the Nativity, they saw the mountain which stands opposite the city, all covered with troops. It was John Sobieski, King of Poland, almost alone among the Christian princes yielding to the Pontiff’s invitation, who came to the rescue with his brave men. Convinced that with the small number of his soldiers victory would be impossible for him, he too resorted to the one who is formidable in the midst of the most orderly and fierce armies. On 12 September he went to church with Prince Charles, and there they heard holy mass, which he himself wished to serve, holding his arms outstretched in the form of a cross. After he had taken communion and received a holy blessing for himself and his army, the prince stood up and said aloud: “Soldiers, for the glory of Poland, for the liberation of Vienna, for the salvation of all Christendom, under the protection of Mary we can safely march against our enemies and victory will be ours.”
            The Christian army then came down from the mountains and advanced towards the Turkish camp. After fighting for some time, the Turks retreated to the other side of the Danube with such haste and confusion that they left behind the Ottoman banner, about one hundred thousand men, most of their crews, all their war munitions and one hundred and eighty pieces of artillery. There was never a more glorious victory that cost the victors so little blood. Soldiers laden with booty could be seen entering the city, driving in front of them many herds of oxen which the enemies had abandoned.
            Emperor Leopold, having heard of the defeat of the Turks, returned to Vienna on the same day, had a Te Deum sung with the greatest solemnity, and then, recognising that such an unexpected victory was entirely due to the protection of Mary, had the banner he had found in the Grand Vizier’s tent brought into the main church. The banner of Mohammed, richer still, and which was hoisted in the middle of the field, was sent to Rome and presented to the Pope. The holy Pontiff, also deeply convinced that the glory of that triumph was all due to the great Mother of God, and desirous of perpetuating the memory of her gift, ordered that the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, already a custom for some time in some countries, should in future be celebrated throughout the Church on the Sunday between the octave of her Nativity.

Chapter 11. Association of Mary Help of Christians in Munich.

            The victory of Vienna marvellously increased devotion to Mary among the faithful and gave rise to a pious society of devotees under the title of the Confraternity of Mary Help of Christians. A Capuchin father who preached with great zeal in the parish church of St Peter in Munich, urged the faithful with fervent and moving expressions to place themselves under the protection of Mary Help of Christians, and to implore her patronage against the Turks who threatened to invade Bavaria from Vienna. The devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians grew to such an extent that the faithful wanted to continue it even after the victory of Vienna even though the enemies had already been forced to leave their city. It was then that a Confraternity under the title of Mary Help of Christians was established to eternalise the memory of the great favour obtained from the Blessed Virgin.
            The Duke of Bavaria, who had commanded a part of the Christian army, while the King of Poland and the Duke of Lorraine commanded the rest of the militia, in order to follow up on what had been done in his capital, asked the Supreme Pontiff, Innocent XI, for the erection of the Confraternity. The Pope willingly agreed and granted the institution with a Bull dated 18 August 1684, enriching it with indulgences. Thus, on 8 September the following year, while the prince besieged the city of Buda, the Confraternity was established by his order with great solemnity in St Peter’s Church in Munich. From then on, the brethren of that Association, united in their hearts in the love of Jesus and Mary, gathered in Munich and offered prayers and sacrifices to God to implore his infinite mercy. Through the protection of the Blessed Virgin this Confraternity spread rapidly that the greatest personalities were keen to be enrolled in it to secure the assistance of this great Queen of Heaven in the perils of life and especially at the point of death. Emperors, kings, queens, prelates, priests, and an infinite number from all parts of Europe still consider it a great fortune to be enrolled in it. The Popes have granted many indulgences to those who are in that Brotherhood. priests who join can get others to join. Thousands of Masses and Rosaries are said during life and after death for those who are members.

Chapter 12. The feast of Mary Help of Christians.

            The facts we have set out so far in honour of Mary Help of Christians make it clear how much Mary likes to be invoked under this title. The Catholic Church observed, examined and approved everything, guiding the practices of the faithful herself, so that neither time nor human malice would misrepresent the true spirit of devotion.
            Let us recall here what we have often said about the glories of Mary as the Help of Christians. In the holy books she is symbolised in the ark of Noah, who saves the followers of the true God from the universal flood; in the ladder of Jacob, which rises up to heaven; in the burning bush of Moses; in the ark of the covenant; in the tower of David, which defends against all assaults; in the rose of Jericho; in the sealed fountain; in the well-cultivated and guarded garden of Solomon; she is figured in an aqueduct of blessings; in the fleece of Gideon. Elsewhere she is called the star of Jacob, beautiful as the moon, chosen as the sun, the iris of peace; the pupil of God’s eye; the dawn and bringer of consolations, the Virgin and Mother, and Mother of her Lord. These symbols and expressions that the Church applies to Mary make manifest the providential designs of God who wanted to make her known to us before her birth as the first-born among all creatures, the most excellent protector, help and support of the human race.
            In the New Testament, then, figures and symbolic expressions cease; everything is reality and fulfilment of the past. Mary is greeted by the archangel Gabriel who calls her full of grace; God admires Mary’s great humility and raises her to the dignity of Mother of the Eternal Word. Jesus, immense God, becomes the son of Mary; he is born of her, brought up and assisted by her. And the Eternal Word made flesh submitted in all things in obedience to his august Mother. At her request Jesus worked the first of his miracles in Cana of Galilee; on Calvary she is made de facto common Mother of Christians. The Apostles made her their guide and teacher of virtue. With her they gathered to pray in the Upper Room; with her they attended to prayer, and in the end they received the Holy Spirit. She addressed her final words to the Apostles and gloriously flew to Heaven.
            From her highest seat of glory she continues to say, Ego in altissimis habito ut ditem diligentes me et thesauros corum repleam. I inhabit the highest throne of glory to enrich with blessings those who love me and to fill their treasuries with heavenly favours. Hence, from her Assumption into heaven, there began the constant and unbroken contest of Christians to Mary, And St Bernard said that there has never been anyone who has confidently appealed to her who was not heard. Hence the reason why every century, every year, every day and, we may say, every moment is marked in history by some great favour granted to those who have invoked her with faith. Hence we also have the reason why every kingdom, every city, every country, every family has a church, a chapel, an altar, an image, a painting or some sign recalling a grace granted to those who had recourse to her in the necessities of life. The glorious events against the Nestorians and against the Albigensians; the words Mary said to St Dominic at the time that she recommended the preaching of the Rosary, which the Blessed Virgin herself named magnum in Ecclesia praesidium; the victory of Lepanto, of Vienna, of Buda, the Confraternity of Munich, Rome, Turin and many others erected in various countries of Christendom, make it sufficiently clear how ancient and widespread the devotion to Mary Help of Christians is, how much this title is pleasing to her and how much benefit it brings to Christian peoples. So that Mary could quite rightly utter the words that the Holy Spirit put into her mouth: In omni gente primatum habui. I am acknowledged as teacher among all nations.
            These facts, so glorious to the Blessed Virgin, meant the express intervention of the Church to decide on the extent and ways in which Mary could be invoked under the title of Help of Christians, and the Church had already intervened in a certain way with the approval of confraternities, prayers and many pious practices to which the holy indulgences are attached, and which throughout the world proclaim Mary as Auxilium Christianorum.
            One thing was still missing and that was an established day of the year to honour the title of Mary Help of Christians, which is to say, a feast day with a rite, Mass and Office approved by the Church, and the day of this solemnity was fixed. In order for the Pontiffs to determine this important institution, some extraordinary event was needed, which did not take long to make itself manifest to human beings.

(continued)