The nineteenth century was the century of special devotion to Our Lady.   It gave us the revelations to Saint Catherine Labouré, Lourdes and La Salette.   In Ireland it gave us the Shrine of Our Lady at Knock.

Pope Pius VII instituted the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on the 24th May 1814, following his safe return from exile in Rome where he had been imprisoned.

It was fitting therefore that the Archbishop of Paris, Monsignor de Quelen, placed the Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours under the patronage of Our Lady Help of Christians. In recognition of Our Lady’s protection, Sisters honour Saturday as “Mary’s Day” and the 24th May as the Congregation’s Feastday.

The title "Mary Help of Christians" reminds us of our Lady's constant love for us, her assistance to us, and her call to follow her Son, who said: "Love one another as I have loved you” John 15:17.

O God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our lives each day.
Bless especially the men and women who serve Bon Secours,
together with their families and friends.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.”