Once upon a time, there was a generous woman. Her name was Alicia Gonzalez Neve. She donated her land to the Salesians of Don Bosco. It all began in 1928. She wanted to open an orphanage for boys. Mrs. Neve gave her property, home, and savings. She wanted to develop a place called Mary Help of Christians.
Welcome to Mary Help of Christians in Tampa. It is a place with a rich history. For over 85 years, young and old have come here. They meet Christ and grow in their faith. Many feel the Salesian family spirit. They also feel the love of God in their hearts.
Mary Help of Christians is unique because of Mary’s motherly assistance. The Salesians of Don Bosco also make it special. Mary Help of Christians is modeled after the Oratory of Valdocco. This was in Turin, Italy. St. John Bosco founded it.
The Tampa school flourished with Mrs. Neve’s support. The children loved being in her presence. For many orphans, it was the only family they knew. Mary Help of Christians served grades 1-12. It was one of the finest schools in central Florida.
As regulations changed, the school evolved. It changed from a boarding school to a day school by 1998. Then it became a Catholic middle school. The Salesians closed the middle school on May 31, 2006 due to declining enrollment.
After the school closed, there was a pastoral planning process. The campus was renamed Mary Help of Christians Center. The Salesians recognized the need to serve the youth in the community. Most of these youth lived in disadvantaged circumstances.
In August 2016, Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School opened. It serves low-income youth. It blends academics, work experience, and Catholic values.
All those within Don Bosco’s spiritual family share his educational method. It is called The Preventive System. It focuses on developing the whole person. It encourages children to be their best. It is a friendly approach to education. The Salesian charism continues Don Bosco’s vision. It responds to the need for young people to know they are loved.
Today, an active alumni association supports the programs here at Mary Help of Christians. The Mary Help of Christians Church is home to the local Catholic parish. It serves families and young people in the Tampa Bay area. They have daily Mass and vibrant ministries.
The campus hosts Catholic youth from across the country. They come for retreats and gatherings. It also serves as a base for the Korean Catholic Mission of Tampa. St. Philip Residence is also here. It is a retirement community for Salesian Priests and Brothers. They are still involved in ministry.
Mary Has a Little Farm is on the spacious campus. It offers children and families the chance to experience God’s creatures. They can do this in a setting of peace and love. Education is at the heart of the mission.
The Barn is an events venue. Hosts can invite guests to enjoy the charm of the farm. They can mingle with the farm animals. It is ideal for relaxed and memorable events.
The Mary Help of Christians Camp is a summertime favorite. Youth ages 9-15 focus on living as Christian disciples. They enjoy outdoor activities. The Salesians design a daily program. Faith and fun come together.
Mary Help of Christians also hosts adult and youth retreats. This includes the Antioch Retreat. It gives teens time to question their faith. They share their faith stories and come to know Jesus more personally. It is a time for relaxation and community spirit.
The Mary Help of Christians Center serves the entire Tampa Bay community. It offers programs through the parish. It also offers programs through Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School. Events are held daily, on weekends, and throughout the summer.
Come and visit Mary Help of Christians. See the vibrant Salesian Spirit. Mrs. Neve dreamed of this for the youth and families of the Tampa Bay area. It is still alive and thriving. Mary Help of Christians welcomes you.