World, 14 May 2021 -- During times of crisis, usually many faithful are more open to bringing their challenges to God, especially through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, and, for the Salesian Family, approached as 'Help of Christians'.

This year, the 'official novena to Mary Help of Christians' (May 15-23) follows the lines of the Marian prayer composed by Don Bosco himself:

"Oh most holy and immaculate Virgin Mary,

our most tender Mother and powerful Help of Christians,

we consecrate ourselves entirely to your sweet love and to your holy service.

We consecrate to you the mind with its thoughts,

the heart with its affections,

the body with its feelings and with all its strength,

and we promise to always want to work for the greater glory of God.

We beseech thee, O great Mother of God,

teach us to imitate thy virtues in us,

especially deep humility and ardent charity.

We invoke you with confidence

O Mary Help of Christians

in temptations

that we may find shelter

under your beloved mantle of Mother.

(Day 1 of the Novena to MHC, 2021)

Each day, a video (that you can follow with the Novena booklet) has been prepared, starting with a Scripture reading, putting into practice, inspiration from Don Bosco and Final prayer. The Rector Major, 10th successor of Don Bosco, invites us to pray this Novena with depth, simplicity and the essential attitude of faith, that God may continue to accompany us in our daily life.

There are many different sensitivities. You may also take the Filipino CDB (Con Don Bosco) material available for download. You may be also involved during this Novena time in the 'Laudato Si' Week (May 17-24) that will conclude the whole 'Laudato Si' Year declared by Pope Francis (May 24, 2020-May 24, 2021) and others again are busy in this time of the Pentecost Novena (May 14-22) which starts today.

What is most important - don't miss this special month of May, to walk with Mary in these difficult times, to deepen our faith in God who is always walking at our side. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!