EASTER DIGEST with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN EASTERTIDE 

Celebration of the day: Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians

(In Australia, New Zealand and the US: Solemnity)

The invocation Auxilium Christianorum (Help of Christians) originated in the sixteenth century. In 1576 Bernardino Cirillo, archpriest of Loreto, published at Macerreta two litanies of the Bledsed Virgin, which, he contended, were used at Loreto: One a form which is entirely different from our present text, and another form ("Aliae litaniae B.M.V.") identical with the litany of Loreto, approved by Clement VIII in 1601, and now used throughout the entire Church. This second form contains the invocation Auxilium Christianorum. Possibly the warriors, who returning from Lepanto (7 Oct., 1571) visited the sanctuary of Loreto, saluted the Holy Virgin there for the first time with this new title; it is more probable, however, that it is only a variation of the older invocation Advocata Christianorum, found in a litany of 1524. Torsellini (1597) and the Roman Breviary (24 May, Appendix) say that Pius V inserted the invocation in the litany of Loreto after the battle of Lepanto.

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Acts 16:1–10

Gospel: John 15:18–21

Theme: Guided by the Spirit, Held by the Mother.

In Acts 16, Paul and his companions were redirected by the Holy Spirit, not to preach in certain regions, and instead are called by a vision to Macedonia. This moment is deeply Marian in spirit: it reflects the disposition of docility and trust in God's plan, traits we see perfected in the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On this Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, we remember Mary not just as a gentle intercessor, but as a powerful companion in our spiritual battle and journey. No wonder, that ancient prayer of hope (Memorare) has never fail us.  She stood at the foot of the Cross, where the full weight of the world’s hatred for Christ was unleashed with pains and Sorrows (cf.John 15:18–21). Yet she did not waver. Mary, Help of Christians, reminds us that when we are hated or rejected because of Christ, we are not alone.

However, in a world that often resists truth, the Gospel warns us: “If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.” (John 15:18)

Jesus is not speaking in metaphor. He made a prophetic statement stressing that the hostility He faced would be mirrored in  our lives as His followers, not because we are doing wrong, but because  we are different. He reminds us that the world often rejects what it doesn’t understand or what confronts its selfish standards.

This message can be daunting, but with Mary’s help, we find courage. She is our mother in the struggle, our model in obedience, and our shield in difficulty. The title “Help of Christians”, was popularized by St. John Bosco, which reminds us that in every age, she has come to the aid of her children, especially in times of persecution or confusion. 

Finally, as the psalmist proclaims: “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm100:1)

The assurance which reminds us once again that, despite the cost of discipleship, we are people of joy, not fear. We belong to the Lord, who is good and whose love endures forever.

+ May the Lord bless His Words in our hearts both now and forevermore. Amen 

h now and forevermore. Amen 

© The ARCHIVE 24052025