adma_reg_en


adma_reg_en

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THE NEW
ADMA
REGULATIONS

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TO THE REGULATIONS THE PICTURE
A Brief Marian Teaching
The picture was Don Bosco’s brief idea; he asked the artist Tommaso
Lorenzone to paint it in 1865, and after three years of work the large painting was
placed in position in the Basilica.
Don Bosco described it in these words:
«The Blessed Virgin is floating in a sea of light and majesty. She is
surrounded by a flight of angels, who do her homage as their Queen. In her right
hand she holds a sceptre, the symbol of her power; with the left she supports the
Child, who has his outstretched arms, offering in this way his grace and mercy to all
who have recourse to his revered Mother.
On each side and underneath are the Holy Apostles and Evangelists. They filled
with exultation, as if to say “Regina Apostolorum, ora pro nobis”, they gaze with
wonder at the Holy Virgin.
At the base of the picture is the city of Turin, with the Sanctuary of Valdocco in the
foreground and Superga in the distance».
Don Bosco’s description means that the picture is an effective portrayal of the
title “Mary, Mother of the Church”.
Mary, because she is the Mother of God’s Son, is Queen of heaven and earth;
the whole Church, represented by the Apostles and Saints, acclaims her as Mother
and powerful Helper.

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THE NEW REGULATIONS
July 2003
ASSOCIAZIONE DI MARIA AUSILIATRICE
(Association of Mary Help of Christians)

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DIREZIONE GENERALE OPERE DON BOSCO
Via della Pisana, 1111 – 00163 Roma
The Rector Major
ADMA
Presentation of the renewed Regulations
to the members of the Association
Dear members,
on the feast of St John Bosco, our father and founder, it gives me great pleasure
to present the renewed Regulations to you. They are the result of an intense period
of work on the part of many individuals and groups and in particular of the Primary
group of Turin to all of whom I am very grateful. They were approved by the
Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated life and Societies of Apostolic Life on 7
October 2003.
The fact that the Regulations have been revised is a proof of the Association’s
vitality, which desires to move ahead in pastoral and spiritual harmony with the
Church and the Salesian Family. It is also an expression of the truly authentic
commitment of dynamic fidelity to Don Bosco, who wanted the Association of Mary
Help of Christians as a sign of his gratitude for the motherly presence of Our Lady in
his life and work, and as a form of Christian life centred on the knowledge, love and
imitation of the Virgin Mary.
It is my earnest hope that the members of the Association will make a deep
study of the new text and attain the salesian spirit expressed in them. I entrust all of
you to our Mother, the Help of Christians.
Rome, 31 January 2004
Feast of St John Bosco
Fr Pascual Chávez V.
Rector Major

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Prot. n. T. 9- 1/2003
CONGREGATIO
PRO INSTITUTIS VITAE CONSECRATAE
ET SOCIETATIBUS VITAE APOSTOLICAE
DECREE
The Association of Mary Help of Christians founded by St John Bosco “to
promote veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Mary Help of
Christians”, canonically erected in the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Turin
on 18 April 1869, and raised by Blessed Pius IX on 5 April 1870 to the rank of
Archconfraternity, belongs to the Salesian Family.
The Vicar of the Rector Major has presented to the Apostolic See the
Regulations of the Association for approval.
This Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of
Apostolic Life, after a careful examination of the above-mentioned Regulations,
approves and confirms them in the Italian version kept in its Archives, all the
requirements of law having been observed.
Anything to the contrary notwithstanding.
Given at the Vatican, 7 October 2003
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
Piergiorgio Silvano Nesti, C.P.
Secretary
Eduardo Card. Martinez Somalo
Prefect

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REGULATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION
OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
Revision of July 2003
FOREWORD
Moved by the Holy Spirit and in response to the urgent needs and signs of the
times, Don Bosco brought into being various apostolic forces and a vast movement of
persons who work in different ways for the benefit of the young and the working
classes.
The Association of Mary Help of Christians was founded by Don Bosco as a
special instrument “to promote veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to
Mary Help of Christians”.
It was canonically erected in the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Turin
on 18 April 1869, and “he considered it almost an integral part of the Salesian
Society” (Fr Pietro Ricaldone, Maria Ausiliatrice, Colle Don Bosco 1951, p. 83).
By a Brief of 5 April 1870, Pius IX raised it to the rank of an
Archconfraternity, with the rite of aggregating Associations arising in every part of
the world with the same name and purpose.
On 5 July 1989 the Rector Major Fr Egidio Viganò with his Council officially
recognized the Association of Mary Help of Christians as a member of the Salesian
Family.
TEXTUS APPROBATUS
Romae, die 7-10-2003

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I.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION
OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS (AMHC).
ART. 1
Act of foundation
After Don Bosco had built to Mary’s glory the votive Sanctuary dedicated to
the Help of Christians (Turin Valdocco 1868), following the indications he had
received from her in a dream, he conceived a year later the desire to set up in the
Basilica the “Association of the Clients of Mary Help of Christians” (18 April 1869)
in order to spread throughout the world devotion to Our Lady invoked under this title.
The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, center for the propagation of this
mission throughout the world, became for Don Bosco a place to bring together his
works, a font of grace and his sanctuary for all the world.
The attachment of Don Bosco to Mary Help of Christians found in the
Association a simple and practical expression for the defence of the faith in popular
circles.
“We Christians must be united in these difficult times. Being among many who
are doing good is a source of animation to us, without our being aware of the fact”
(MB 7,602)
Experience “shows us that Mary’s mission as Mother of the Church and Help
of Christians, which she began on earth, she has continued from heaven in a
wonderful way all over the world”.
(G. BOSCO, Meraviglie della Madre di Dio invocata sotto il titolo di Maria
Ausiliatrice, Torino, 1868, p. 45).
This active motherly presence of Mary is the foundation of the
Association and the inspiration for the commitment of the members to the
service of the Kingdom of God.
ART. 2.
Nature and purpose
The Association of Mary Help of Christians provides a meeting place for the
faithful who practice her typical activities.
In the Church, the Association of Mary Help of Christians is a public
association of the faithful in terms of can. 298 – 320 of the Code of Canon Law, and
hence has the status of a juridical ecclesiastical personality.
In line with the prevailing legislation in the individual countries this can be
followed by civil juridical recognition, but the Association does not as such adhere to
political parties, nor to profit-making groups.
The Association of Mary Help of Christians offers a path that leads to holiness
and to the salesian apostolate (“It is Our Lady’s wish that we honour her under the

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title of Mary Help of Christians. Our times are so bad that we need the most holy
Virgin to help us to preserve and defend the Christian faith” MB 7, 334). In
particular Don Bosco founded it to involve the majority of working-class people in
the spirituality and mission of the Salesian Congregation, as a second specific Group
in his work (Cf. GC24, 80).
It places special emphasis on devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary Help of
Christians in every form, both public and private, approved by the Church.
It operates in communion with and in fidelity to the Bishops of the Church and
in collaboration with other ecclesial groups, especially those of the Salesian Family.
The official name is the ASSOCIATION OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
(AMHC), and has its headquarters in Turin, via Maria Ausiliatrice 32, alongside the
Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians.
ART. 3.
The Association in the Salesian Family
The members form part of the Salesian Family “through salesian devotion to
the Help of Christians in the manner established by Don Bosco himself. Membership
is a commitment to honour Mary, helper and mother of the Church, by taking part in
Don Bosco’s mission to peoples, particularly the young, and expecially in its aspects
of fostering and defending the Christians faith”. (Egidio Viganò, Lettera Al Rettore
del Santuario di Maria Ausiliatrice a Torino del 24/07/1989).
In the Salesian Family the Association emphasizes and spreads popular Marian
devotion, as a means of evangelization and advancement of peoples, particularly the
young and of needy youngsters.
It recognizes the Rector Major, successor of Don Bosco, as the father and
centre of unity of the entire Family.
ART. 4.
Personal commitment of the members.
Personal adherence to the Association implies the following commitments,
particularly in the family and local environment, and in the areas of work and
friendship :
- a due esteem for and participation in liturgical life, in harmony with the
Church of which Mary is the type and figure; and in particular for the sacraments of
the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and in the practice of a personal Christian life;
- living and spreading devotion to Mary Help of Christians in accordance
with Don Bosco’s spirit, in particular in the Salesian Family (Egidio
VIGANÒ, Circular Letter: Mary renews Don Bosco’s Salesian Family in
ASC 289 January-June 1978);
- renewing, strengthening and living common devotional practices:
- the commemoration of the 24th of each month,

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- the rosary,
- the novena in preparation for the feast of Mary Help of Christians,
- the blessing of Mary Help of Christians,
- pilgrimages to Marian sanctuaries,
- processions,
- collaboration in parish life: liturgy, catechesis, visits to the sick and
aged, various services in the churches, etc.
- imitating Mary by cultivating in one’s own family a Christian environment
of welcome and solidarity;
- being solicitous in prayer and action for poor youngsters and other persons in
need;
- praying for and supporting lay, religious and ministerial vocations in the
Church and in the Salesian Family in particular;
- living a daily spirituality with evangelical attitudes, especially with
thanksgiving to God for the wonders he continually he works, and with fidelity to
him even in times of difficulty and the Cross, following Mary’s example.
ART. 5.
Sharing in spiritual benefits
The members share in the indulgences and spiritual benefits proper to the
Association and in those of the Salesian Family. (Cf. Appendix II: Norms governing
the gaining of indulgences. The new norms are given in the Appendix, because it
seems useful to provide an explanation of them, and so avoid exaggerations and
practices not in conformity with the Church’s intentions).
Moreover they benefit from the results of the prayers and devotions offered up
in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin and in the churches where the
Association has been established.
When an associate dies, the other members of the group concerned are urged
to take part in a Eucharist of suffrage.

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II.
STRUCTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MARY HELP OF
CHRISTIANS (AMHC)
ART. 6.
Organization
In the style of Don Bosco, the organization is at the service of the individual
and is therefore deliberately simple and flexible, and so adaptable to the situation of
different countries.
It is also true that “an important aspect characterizing Don Bosco’s activity is
the practical nature of its organization which explains, at least in part, the success and
endurance of his initiatives: he was able to outline clearly the responsibilities for
functioning, animation and growth” (E. Viganò, Letter to the Rector of the Sanctuary
of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, 24 July 1989).
ART. 7.
Erection of the local associations
In accordance with the CIC, can. 312–317 and with the privileges of the
Salesian Congregation, it belongs solely to the Salesian Provincial to erect the
Association of Mary Help of Christians in the institutions of the Salesians and of the
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians existing in his territory.
In all other cases the written consent of the Local Ordinary is needed.
ART. 8.
Aggregation '
Once the canonical erection has taken place, request should be made as soon as
possible for aggregation to the Primary Association of the Sanctuary of Mary Help of
Christians in Turin–Valdocco, to complete the process of aggregation to the
Association and to the Salesian Family.
The Diploma that will be sent, signed by the Rector of the Sanctuary, is the
official document of membership. It is advisable to preserve it in the archives and
display a photocopy in some place where the public can see it.
ART. 9.
Communion with the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Turin
"The Association of Mary Help of Christians is vitally linked with the
Sanctuary at Turin–Valdocco. It can be said that Mary not only intervened directly
in its construction, according to the words of Don Bosco, but from there she has

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extended her patronage to all the world. This is why the Association is called upon to
remain united with this holy place” (E. Viganò, Letter to the Rector of the Sanctuary
of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, 24 July 1989).
Every local association, therefore, should develop a special communion of
dialogue and solidarity with the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Turin–
Valdocco and with the Primary Association erected there; the latter will do its
utmost to facilitate such communion.
ART. 10.
Personal participation in the life of the Association
All baptized Catholics of at least 18 years of age can apply for membership in
the Association.
Membership implies the commitment to live what is prescribed by art.4 of the
present regulations and regular participation in the Association’s meetings in a spirit
of solidarity and belonging.
Admission of a candidate to the Association is approved by the President and
Council. It will be preceded by a sufficient period of preparation, not less than a
year, with meetings at least once a month.
The candidate expresses adherence to the Association during a celebration in
honour of Mary Help of Christians, and will receive a certificate, a copy of the
Statutes and a membership badge.
The local Association must foster the ongoing formation of the members, and
organize local activities and initiatives in harmony with the Statutes.
In a spirit of solidarity and belonging, every member contributes free offerings for the
needs of the particular association and through it, or through the Provincial
Organisms, contributes also to the needs of the Primary Association.
ART. 11
Deep moments of membership
For the purpose of promoting communion, fostering ongoing formation and
exchange of experiences, the local Association organizes:
- Monthly meetings (open also to members of the Salesian Family and any
others who wish to take part) for the purpose of doctrinal formation, prayer
and celebration or adoration of the Eucharist, if possible on the 24th of the
month, the day when Mary Help of Christians is commemorated;
- The annual Marian day;
- Participation in celebrations or meetings of the Salesian Family;
- Spiritual Exercises for the members;
- Processions, pilgrimages, days of retreat;
- Other meetings programmed locally;

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- Also see art. 4.
ART. 12
Local Councils of the Association
Every local Association is coordinated by a Council, elected by the assembly
of all the members from a list of candidates who have declared themselves available
for fraternal service.
The local Council is made up of the President, Vice-president, Treasurer,
Secretary, and an adequate number of councillors, according to the Association’s
needs. The spiritual animator, male or female, is a member of the Council by right.
For a candidate to be elected a simple majority of votes is required.
The members of the Council remain in office for 4 years and may be re-elected
for a further 4 years.
When the Council is complete, the specific tasks within it are decided by the
Council itself.
The President convokes Council meetings and presides over them; he prepares
the agenda and communicates with the councillors through the Secretary. He
represents the Association in external relationships.
The Vice-president takes the place of the President when the latter is
absent or when other needs require it, but always in agreement with the President.
The Treasurer administers the goods of the Association according to the laws
of the Country concerned and with the consent of the Council. He presents every
year the annual balance sheet and budget.
The Secretary, on the instructions of the President, sends to the members the
dates and agenda for the meetings, writes the minutes, and takes care of the
Association’s archives.
To each of the other Councillors is assigned the responsibility for a sector of
the local activities.
Normally the Council meets once a month.
ART. 13
Spiritual Animators
The Spiritual Animators of the Association are appointed by the Salesian
Provincial or by the Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
They promote, in particular, formation to salesian spirituality and communion
with the life and projects of the particular Church.
Eligible for appointment as Animators are also members of the Association or
of the Salesian Family, if they are duly prepared.

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ART. 14.
Provincial and National Council
Where possible, the Association is organized at provincial level with a Council
that animates, coordinates and directs the local Associations and their relationships
with the other Groups of the Salesian Family.
The Provincial Council is elected by the local presidents. It is made up of a
President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer and a suitable number of Councillors.
The members of the Council are elected for 4 years and can be reelected for a
second consecutive period of 4 years.
The Spiritual Animator, male or female, is a member of the Council by right.
Where it is necessary or desirable, a national system of coordination can be
established, made up of a coordinator and a suitable number of members and spiritual
animators.
The manner in which coordination takes place will be decided by the
coordinating group.
ART. 15
Role of the Primary Association
The Association of Mary Help of Christians linked with the Sanctuary of
Mary Help of Christians at Turin–Valdocco is the heir and continuation of the
association founded by Don Bosco himself, and hence is called “Primary”.
Because of its origin and linkage with the Sanctuary, it has the role of
animation, linkage and the providing of information about the Association
throughout the world.
For this purpose it makes use, as its official organ, of the AMHC insertion in
the publication "Maria Ausiliatrice", edited by the Sanctuary of Mary Help of
Christians in Turin.
ART. 16
World Council of the Association
It is the responsibility of the President of the Primary Association to convoke
the World Council of the Association.
This Council is made up of the Vicar of the Rector Major, the member of the
FMA General Council in charge of relationships with the Salesian Family, the
President with the Spiritual Animator and a Councillor from the Primary Association,
together with representatives of the various areas in which the Association is present.
The composition should be such that lay persons outnumber priests and
religious.

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The Council meets ordinarily every six years: a very suitable occasion is the
International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, organized by the Council of the
Primary Association.
ART. 17.
Material goods of the Association
The Association of Mary Help of Christians, because it is a public
ecclesiastical juridical entity, can acquire, possess, administer and alienate temporal
goods, in accordance with ecclesiastical legislation and that of the different countries
concerned.
ART. 18
Translation of the Regulations
Translations of the Statutes into other languages must faithfully conform to this
present approved text, and must be submitted to the scrutiny of the Primary
Association.

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APPENDIX I
CRITERIA OF ECCLESIALITY
FOR LAY AGGREGATIONS
Christifideles Laici n. 30
It is always from the perspective of the Church's communion and mission, and
not in opposition to the freedom to associate, that one understands the necessity of
having clear and definite criteria for discerning and recognizing such lay groups, also
called "Criteria of Ecclesiality".
The following basic criteria might be helpful in evaluating an association of the
lay faithful in the Church:
- The primacy given to the call of every Christian to holiness, as it is manifested "in
the fruits of grace which the spirit produces in the faithful"(LG 39) and in a growth
towards the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity(LG 40).
In this sense whatever association of the lay faithful there might be, it is always
called to be more of an instrument leading to holiness in the Church, through
fostering and promoting "a more intimate unity between the everyday life of its
members and their faith"(AA 19).
- The responsibility of professing the Catholic faith, embracing and proclaiming the
truth about Christ, the Church and humanity, in obedience to the Church's
Magisterium, as the Church interprets it. For this reason every association of the lay
faithful must be a forum where the faith is proclaimed as well as taught in its total
content.
- The witness to a strong and authentic communion in filial relationship to the Pope,
in total adherence to the belief that he is the perpetual and visible center of unity of
the universal Church(LG 23), and with the local Bishop, "the visible principle and
foundation of unity"(LG 23) in the particular Church, and in "mutual esteem for all
forms of the Church's apostolate"(AA 23).
The communion with Pope and Bishop must be expressed in loyal readiness to
embrace the doctrinal teachings and pastoral initiatives of both Pope and Bishop.
Moreover, Church communion demands both an acknowledgment of a legitimate
plurality of forms in the associations of the lay faithful in the Church and at the same
time, a willingness to cooperate in working together.
- Conformity to and participation in the Church's apostolic goals, that is, "the
evangelization and sanctification of humanity and the Christian formation of people's
conscience, so as to enable them to infuse the spirit of the gospel into the various
communities and spheres of life"(AA 20).
From this perspective, every one of the group forms of the lay faithful is asked to
have a missionary zeal which will increase their effectiveness as participants in a re-
evangelization.
- A commitment to a presence in human society, which in light of the Church's social
doctrine, places it at the service of the total dignity of the person.

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Therefore, associations of the lay faithful must become fruitful outlets for
participation and solidarity in bringing about conditions that are more just and loving
within society.
The fundamental criteria mentioned at this time find their verification in the
actual fruits that various group forms show in their organizational life and the works
they perform, such as:
- the renewed appreciation for prayer, contemplation, liturgical and sacramental life,
the reawakening of vocations to Christian marriage, the ministerial priesthood and
the consecrated life;
- a readiness to participate in programmes and Church activities at the local, national
and international levels;
- a commitment to catechesis and a capacity for teaching and forming Christians;
- a desire to be present as Christians in various settings of social life and the creation
and awakening of charitable, cultural and spiritual works;
- the spirit of detachment and evangelical poverty leading to a greater generosity in
charity towards all;
- conversion to the Christian life or the return to Church communion of those
baptized members who have fallen away from the faith.
(Apostolic Exhortation, 30/12/1988 of John Paul II, n.30)

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APPENDIX II
INDULGENCES
An indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to
sin of which the guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful who are properly
disposed and with certain conditions can acquire through the intervention of the
Church which, as minister of the redemption, authoritatively dispenses and applies
the treasure of the satisfaction made by Christ and the Saints.
An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it frees partially or completely
from the temporal punishment due to sin.
No one can apply indulgences to other people who are still alive.
Both partial and plenary indulgences can be applied to the dead by way of
suffrage.
PLENARY INDULGENCES
The Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary on 31 January 1968 granted the Plenary
Indulgence given in the following list at nos, 1, and 4 to 10, and on 6 February 2002
those given at 2 and 3, all of them given in perpetuity.
1. On the day of admission;
2. St Francis de Sales, 24 January;
3. St John Bosco, 31 January;
4. The Annunciation, 25 March;
5. Mary Help of Christians, 24 May;
6. The Visitation, 31 May;
7. The Assumption, 15 August;
8. Our Lady’s Birthday, 8 September;
9. Immaculate Conception, 8 December;
10. Christmas Day, 25 December,
Conditions
1. Commitment to fight against even venial sin
2. Sacramental confession
3. Eucharistic communion
4. Prayer for the Pope’s intentions
5. Renewal, at least privately but explicitly, of the promise to observe faithfully the
Regulations of the Association.
N.B. a. Members can gain the plenary indulgence either on the days listed, or on the
day to which each feast is transferred.
b. Members can gain the plenary indulgences granted to all the faithful in the course

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of the liturgical year, but in this case the explicit renewal of the promise to observe
the Regulations is not required.
PARTIAL INDULGENCES
There are very many prayers and good works to which partial indulgences are
attached. Among them are two recommended by Don Bosco himself in the ADMA
Regulations:
1. Blessed and praised for ever be the most holy and divine Sacrament.
2. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
Three other concessions should also be kept in mind; they are partial indulgences
granted to all the faithful:
1. A partial indulgence for the faithful who, in fulfilling their duties and putting up
with life’s difficulties raise with humble confidence their minds to God, adding at the
same time – even mentally – some pious invocation.
2. A partial indulgence to the faithful who, in a spirit of faith and mercy, place
themselves and their goods at the service of a brother or sister in need.
3. A partial indulgence to the faithful who, in a spirit of penance, spontaneously make
the sacrifice of something it is lawful to have.

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APPENDIX III
THE REGULATIONS
FOR THE CLIENTS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS WRITTEN
BY DON BOSCO
1. In the Church in Turin dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, there has been
canonically erected with the authorization of the Archbishop of Turin an
Association of Mary’s clients; the members of the Association aim at promoting
the glories of the divine Mother of the Saviour in order to merit her protection in
life and particularly at the moment of death.
2. They have two special objectives: to spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin and
veneration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
3. To this end they will make use of words, advice, good works and influence to
promote dignity and devotion in the novenas, feasts and solemnities that occur
during the year to honour the Blessed Virgin and the Most Holy Sacrament.
4. The spreading of good books, pictures, medals and leaflets, taking part in
Processions in honour of Mary most holy and the Blessed Sacrament and
encouraging others to do likewise, frequent Communion and presence at Holy
Mass, the accompaniment of Viaticum to the dying, are the things the members
try to promote by all the means possible to their state in life.
5. The members will strive never to use blasphemy or engage in talk contrary to
religion, and will do their utmost to prevent those under their control from doing
likewise; they will also do all they can to remove obstacles in the way of the
sanctification of Sundays and Feast-days.
6. Every member, in line with the advice of the catechisms and spiritual directors, is
warmly urged to approach the Sacraments of Confession and Communion once a
fortnight or once a month, and assist at daily Mass if his duties permit.
7. Every day after their morning and night prayers, the members will recite in honour
of the Blessed Sacrament: “Blessed and praised every moment be the Most Holy
and Divine Sacrament”; and in honour of the Blessed Virgin: “Mary Help of
Christians, pray for us”.
For priests it is sufficient that in the holy Mass they have the intention of praying
for all the members of the Association.
These prayers will serve as a bond to unite all the members so that they form a
single mind and soul to give due honour to Jesus hidden in the Eucharist and his
august Mother, and participate in all the good works done by every member.
(From "Letture Cattoliche", Year XVII, May, Vol. V, pp. 48-50)

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APPENDIX IV
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Art.10 of the Regulations says: “The candidate expresses adherence to the
Association, during a celebration in honour of Mary Help of Christians”.
The time and manner of the celebration are left to be decided by local Sections.
The following is an example which can be adopted or adapted to different
circumstances.
It should take place, if possible, during a celebration of the Eucharist, which
should be that of Mary Help of Christians if the liturgy will permit.
After the homily the procedure is as follows:
PRESIDENT: Dear Aspirants to the Association of Mary Help of Christians, today is a
day of grace and joy. You have asked to become members of the Association to bear
witness to your love for the Blessed Virgin and your commitment to make her known
and loved.
Let us begin the celebration with the simple but significant gesture of calling each of
you by name. This call means on the one hand that our Blessed Lady is inviting you
to join the Association that bears her name and, on the other, indicates your own
generous and enthusiastic response which you are now going to express publicly as
you approach the altar.
PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES
The candidates are called by the President of ADMA using both Christian and
surnames. Each one replies “Present”, and moves towards the altar.
DIALOGUE OF COMMITMENT
PRESIDENT: As you come before the altar, what do you ask?
CANDIDATES: We ask to become members of the Association of Mary Help of
Christians.
PRESIDENT: Do you understand the obligations you are taking on yourselves by
becoming members of the Association?
CANDIDATES: Individually we undertake to make our spiritual attitude that of Mary,
to make our lives –as she made hers – one of devotion to God, and to make this a
commitment for all our lives.
And so, like the listening Virgin, we will remain always attentive to the Word of
God, which we will proclaim by word and by the testimony of our lives.
Like the praying Virgin, we shall see to it that our life is nourished by simple and
heartfelt prayer in an attitude of gratitude and intercession before the Father.
Like the Virgin Mother, we shall work tirelessly in union with the Pope and the
Bishops for the growth of the People of God.
Like the Virgin offering herself, we will make of our lives an offering to God, in the
joyful fulfilment of the Father’s will as the way to our sanctification.

3 Pages 21-30

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3.1 Page 21

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PRESIDENT: What specific commitment do you explicitly make as members of
ADMA?
CANDIDATES: As our particular and characteristic obligation we intend to promote
devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the veneration of Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament in society, by our words and by a life that takes its inspiration from the
Gospel and from the spirituality and mission of Don Bosco.
BLESSING OF THE BADGES, MEMBERSHIP CARDS, ETC.
PRESIDENT
Lord, you manifest your loving kindness in the Virgin Mary, our Mother and
Helper. May these images we now bless, be a sign of your saving presence in our
midst. (The articles are sprinkled with holy water)
May these badges with the image of Mary Help of Christians remind you of
your membership of this Association founded by Don Bosco.
May Mary help you to grow in Christ the Lord, to whom the obligations you
have undertaken are a sign of your intention to be faithful. And may Mary be always
with you with her motherly assistance.
PROMISE MADE BY THE CANDIDATES
Mary Immaculate, Help of Christians and Mother of the Church, by becoming a
member of your Association, I pledge myself to bear faithful witness to Christ in
my daily life, especially in my family, at my place of work, and in civil and
ecclesial society, with the strength that comes from prayer, and from the
frequent and worthy reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and the
Eucharist.
I pledge myself furthermore to pray for and seek vocations for the Church and
the Salesian Family, following the teaching and example of Don Bosco and
trusting in your motherly help.
THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY RESPONDS: Amen.
Presentation of the Regulations, Badge and Membership card to each of the new
members
PRESIDENT: You are now full members of the Association of Mary Help of
Christians, and sharers in the spiritual advantages of the Association and in all the
good works carried out in the Salesian Family founded by Don Bosco ?
PRESIDENT: Mary, Help of Christians.
ALL RESPOND: Pray for us.

3.2 Page 22

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PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
PRESIDENT: Brothers and Sisters, let us turn to almighty God and ask that in his
mercy he will hear the prayers we offer to Him through her who is the Help of
Christians.
Lord, hear us.
1. For the Holy Church of God, that Mary “the powerful Virgin, great and renowned
defender of the Church”, may assist it by her motherly aid.
2. For the Holy Father: that like his predecessors St Pius V and Pius VII, he may
experience the special protection of Mary Help of Christians in moments of
exceptional trial and hardship for the Church.
3. For Bishops, Priests and Religious, that in union with the Pope they may guide in
the faith and Christian life the faithful entrusted to their care.
4. For the Rector Major of the Salesians, and for the Superiors and Councils of a ll
the Groups of the Salesian Family, that they may feel the close presence and
assistance of Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco in their work of salesian
animation.
5. For all here present, for the members of the Association throughout the world, and
particularly for those who have become members today, that in celebrating and
giving honour to the Help of Christians we may feel ourselves united in prayer and
prompted to live and propagate devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and to seek
numerous and holy vocations for the Church and the Salesian Family.
PRESIDENT: Father, you called Mary to collaborate in your plan for the salvation of
mankind, hear our prayers which we offer in filial confidence, invoking her
intercession whom you have given us as Mother and Helper. Grant this through
Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Information about joining the Association can be obtained from a local section, if it
already exists in the local parish, or from any Oratory or Institution of the Salesians
or of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, or by writing to the Central Office:
Association of Mary Help of Christians
Via Maria Ausiliatrice, 32 – 10152 Turin
Tel:; 011.52.24.216 or 011.52.24.222
The Valdocco Sanctuary publishes a monthly magazine in colour, “Maria
Ausiliatrice”, to offer to all devotees to of Mary an aid to understanding and
cherishing the presence and the motherly activity of the Madonna in our own lives
and in that of the Church. Every issue carries a feature “ADMA in the world” with
three pages devoted to animation, bonds of communion and information about
ADMA in all six continents.
Correspondence should be sent to:
Rivista MARIA AUSILIATRICE
Via Maria Ausiliatrice, 32 – 10152 Turin.
To send subscriptions or offerings use may be made of the “conto corrente postale”
n. 21059100 in favour of “Santuario Maria Ausiliatrice, Via Maria Ausilitrice 32 –
10152 Turin”