Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of China

The Holy Father has asked all Church faithful to pray for the Church and people of China on May 24th, the feast of Mary Help of Christians, who is the Patroness of China.

As Salesians we have a deep love for the wonderful people of China and the Church there. Our Rector Major Fr. Chavez has asked that as we pray the novena (nine-day prayer) to Mary the Help of Christians this year that we take up the call from Pope Benedict XVI and unite our prayers with those of the Chinese faithful.

Here is Fr. Chavez’s full letter and below I have listed the nine prayer intentions and the prayer to be said each day. Please join me and all Salesians as well as the larger Church as we pray for this people that hungers for Jesus and the Truth.

May 15: for the Bishops of China – May they be shining signs of communion and unity, zealous pastors and animators of the church community, and untiring promoters of the work of evangelization among non-believers.

May 16: for Priests – May they be guides of the people of God through the example of an evangelical life and the witness of their attachment to the Apostolic See.

May 17: for Religious Women – May they be witnesses to the values of consecrated life and to the Kingdom already present among the people of God, and ardent flames of charity, contemplatives in action.

May 18: for Seminarians and for Vocations – May they be faithful to the call of the Divine Master, ready to serve the world without being of the world.

May 19: for the “Official” Catholic Communities – May they know how to carry out the mission entrusted to them, “giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” but without compromising what belongs to God and to his Church.

May 20: for the “Underground” Catholic Communities – May they be aware of the significance of the decision to be underground, without ever closing themselves off from the official communities, but seeking to be the promoters of reconciliation and unity, in charity and in the truth.

May 21: for the Chinese Government – May it be ever more open to the values and respect for human rights; not be afraid of Christ; and commit itself to building harmony and permitting everyone to live and practice their faith in peace.

May 22: for the Catholic Faithful – May they be aware that they can be good citizens while striving to be true Christians; may they commit themselves more and more to spreading moral values and the Gospel among their many fellow citizens who do not yet know Christ.

May 23: for Young People – May they not allow themselves to be captivated by materialism, by consumerism, by individualism; may they strive to live according to ideals that can build a society that is more just and respectful toward all values, including religious ones.

PRAYER TO MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
Virgin most holy, Help of Christians,
Mother of Christ, Patroness and Guide for China,
intercede for the Church, for the Chinese people, and for the youth
entrusted to your motherly care. Fill all with
the desire to know the Father’s loving plan,
the courage to accept Christ’s Gospel,
the willingness to grow in the Holy Spirit.
Keep all kinds of evil far from your children.
Defend them from the dangers of materialism and religious indifference.
Raise up holy vocations among them,
faithful to the service of God’s Kingdom.
Grant us, too, waiting in trust
for the miracles our father Don Bosco foresaw,
the same deep faith as his,
the same passion and thirst for souls.
Make us faithful to our charism
and to our preference for
poor and abandoned youth.
Give us courage to dream,
boldness in daring, wisdom in loving deeds,
perseverance in giving our all for the mission,
and purity of life which reflects your own.
You, who at Cana hastened your Son’s Hour,
be as anxious now to show your motherly care,
and bring your people
a speedy revealing of freedom, peace,
and joy in listening to your Son.