Devotion to Mary Help of Christians began in the Philippines. It started with Salesian Archbishop William Piani. He served as Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines.
Now standing before Mary Help of Christian’s Chapel we will explore its story.
Appointed by Pope Pius XI, Bishop Piani arrived in 1922. He brought a statue of Mary Help of Christians. This statue was a gift. Blessed Philip Rinaldi sent it. He was the Rector Major of the Salesians of St. John Bosco.
Initially the image resided at the Apostolic Delegation House in Malate. Later it was enthroned in the Manila Cathedral. This happened with the help of Archbishop Michael O’Doherty.
Bishop Louis Morrow served as Bishop Piani’s secretary. Because of Bishop Piani’s Salesian devotion to Mary Help of Christians he established the Archconfraternity of Mary Help of Christians in many parishes.
Many bishops declared Mary Help of Christians as their secondary patroness. They widely distributed medals, prayer novenas, images and statues. These items copied the originals from his Delegation House in Malate. It was near the Parish Church of La Nuestra Senora de los Remedios.
Bishop Piani prioritized the Manila Cathedral. He chose it to enthrone a statue of Mary Help of Christians. The first chapel facing the main altar was dedicated to her. Archbishop Michael O’Doherty coordinated this.
However in 1942 the Japanese occupation occurred. The statue of Mary Help of Christians moved to Our Lady of Loreto in Sampaloc. In 1994 the statue moved again. The Parish Church of Mary Help of Christians became a National Shrine. It is located in Better Living Paranaque. The statue from Sampaloc moved to her new shrine.
For 73 years the statue was away from the Manila Cathedral. But the chapel remained dedicated to her.
In 2016 the statue of Mary Help of Christians returned. Cardinal Tagle re-enthroned her. This event marked the Bicentenary of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians.
Other Marian statues are venerated in this chapel. They include Our Lady of Antipolo and Our Lady of the Pillar. Mary Help of Christians now occupies a prominent place.
The story of Mary Help of Christians embodies faith. It shows resilience and devotion in the Philippines. Her presence here offers solace and inspiration.