Don Bosco's Heartbeat: A Deep Devotion to Mary Help of Christians

By Mrs. Andrea Zimmerman, Salesian Family SDB Delegate, Salesian Cooperator

St. John Bosco's heart was filled with a tender and unwavering devotion to Mary Help of Christians. He often said with quiet conviction, “Have faith in Mary Help of Christians, and you will see the miracles.” For Don Bosco, Mary was not a distant figure, but a constant companion—mother, guide, and protector of the young and the Salesian mission.

Don Bosco believed that God entrusted Mary with exceptional care for the Church and the poor, especially the young. She walked with him through every challenge and triumph, and he encouraged his boys and collaborators to trust her as children trust their mothers. Mary Help of Christians was a constant, living presence—his guide in doubt, protector in danger, and steady hand in stormy times. He turned to her with simple, profound faith.

Don Bosco’s devotion to Mary Help of Christians wasn’t private—it became the heart of the Salesian Family. The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin is a tribute to his conviction that “she has done everything.” Each May 24, the Salesian world joyfully honors her feast day.

This year, on Saturday, May 17, the Salesian Family gathered at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Stony Point, New York, as a family of faith, united in our devotion to Mary Help of Christians. As Don Bosco taught us, Mary is our guiding star, our mother, and our help in every step of our journey.

This day was dedicated to deepening our love for Mary and embracing her virtues of presence, obedience, vigilance, and advocacy. We were privileged to hear Fr. Tom Ruekert, SDB, reflect deeply on these virtues of Mary Help of Christians. His words reminded us that Don Bosco never walked alone—he always walked with Mary by his side. Just as she was his guide, protector, and source of courage, we, too, are called to live our Salesian mission with Mary at our side, just as Don Bosco taught us.

Mary’s Four Virtues: A Salesian Reflection

Fr. Tom Ruekert, SDB, reflected on four key virtues of Mary Help of Christians that illuminate her role in our Salesian lives:

• Presence – Mary is not distant; she is actively present in our lives as a loving mother and companion, just as she was present in the life of Don Bosco. Her silent, faithful presence offers strength and comfort to all who call on her.
• Obedience – With her unwavering “Yes” at the Annunciation, Mary teaches us the power of surrendering to God’s will. Her obedience was not passive, but courageous and grounded in trust.
• Vigilance – Mary is watchful and attentive. She notices the needs of others, as seen at the wedding at Cana, and acts with wisdom and care. Her vigilance inspires us to be alert and responsive in our mission.
• Advocacy – As our advocate before her Son, Mary intercedes with a mother’s heart. She pleads on behalf of the poor, the young, and all those in need, reminding us to be advocates for others, especially those most vulnerable.

These virtues call us to be Marian in spirit, present, obedient, vigilant, and bold in our advocacy—walking alongside the young with the heart of Mary, just as Don Bosco did.

During the Holy Mass, we were graced to have Fr. John Langan, SDB, give an inspiring homily on Mary. He shared that Mary was well aware of our struggles and joys in this life. He invited us to reflect on Mary’s humility, her unwavering trust in God, and her maternal presence in our lives.

In addition, we were blessed to witness Salesian Cooperators who had lived their Salesian Cooperator promise daily for 25 years or more be gifted with a “Silver Cooperator Anniversary Pin” to mark this milestone in their vocational call. They are:

Orange Center, NJ

Kay Laskoski (1980)
Rose Faiss (1980)
Janis Aldridge (1995)
Jim Dolan (1995)
Paula Dolan (1995)
Amah Kouevi (1999)
Peggy Mitchell (1999)

St. Thomas More Center, Hauppauge, NY

Joe Gast (1993)

Sacred Heart of Jesus Center, Newton, NJ

Nancy Lopez (1998)
Oran Harris (1999)

St. Michael the Archangel Center, Goshen, NY

Kathy Pardo (1979)
Rita Wtulich (1983)
Fr. Michael Morrow (1986)
Phyllis Hakeem (1999)
Florine Luba (1999)
Denise Dunn (1999)

Don Bosco Center, North Haledon, NJ

Terry Shields (1990)
Eva Brancato (1996)

Madonna of the Rosary Center, Stony Point, NY

Jeanie Cahill (1987)
Denis Cahill (1987)
Robert Babcock (1991)
Mary Murname (1998)

Saint John Bosco Center, Port Chester, NY

Angelo Forta (1977)
Catherine Morlino (1977)
Anthony Maida (1990)
Thomas Paladino (1986)

Throughout the day, the Salesian Family members participated in the sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration, reflections and discussions, games, a magician's performance, and fellowship.

The final prayerful experience was the Rosary procession and the crowning of our Blessed Mother. Agatha Osagie-Eres and members of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Orange, NJ, led the Rosary.

A Call for Us Today

Being Salesian means living in close friendship with Mary. We turn to her in our joys and our challenges. We ask for her maternal care over the young, our families, and all those entrusted to our hearts. Her "Yes" continues to echo in our mission: to accompany others with kindness, presence, and faith in God’s loving plan.

So, we pray:

Mary Help of Christians, gentle guide of Don Bosco and our Salesian Family, wrap us in your mantle. Teach us to say “yes” to God with courage, to care with tenderness, and to live with hope. Stay with us and lead us always to your Son. Amen.