Chiesa di Maria Ausiliatrice

Nestled in the heart of Trieste, the Chiesa di Maria Ausiliatrice stands as a testament to faith and community. The Salesians, arriving in Trieste in October 1898, quickly established a presence in the Chiarbola Superiore district. They began their work with the youth, opening an oratory in 1899. The Chiesa di Maria Ausiliatrice, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, wasn’t far behind. The foundation stone for this new place of worship was laid in 1909. The lower church opened the following year. The entire structure, designed by architect Cornelio Budinich, was completed in 1911. The upper church was blessed that May. The church’s dedication to Mary Help of Christians reflects the Salesian devotion to the Virgin Mary. Did you know the Salesians believed she provided special protection to their order? This belief is woven into the very fabric of the Chiesa di Maria Ausiliatrice. The church later became the parish church of San Giovanni Bosco in 1940. The parish officially began operating independently in 1943. A little-known fact about the Chiesa di Maria Ausiliatrice: a family by the name of Jasbitz made a substantial donation that helped fund the church’s construction. In return, they were granted a tomb within a small crypt on the church’s right side. The Chiesa di Maria Ausiliatrice, with its Venetian Gothic style and red brick facade, offers a glimpse into the intertwining of faith, community, and history in Trieste. The church stands as a reminder of the Salesians’ dedication to the youth and their unwavering faith in divine guidance.