ASSOCIATION OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
Abbreviation: ADMA
Turin 1869
1. FOUNDATION AND HISTORY
Don Bosco founded the Association of Mary Help of Christians, including it in the spirituality and mission of the Salesian congregation through tasks, which could be undertaken by the majority of ordinary people.
In directions written for the associates, Don Bosco asked them to ‘Promote devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians.’
As we read in the first volume of Don Bosco’s Biographical Memoirs, the ‘Shepherdess’ in a dream shows the nine‑year‑old Giovannino the people to whom his mission would be directed and how it would be carried out.
In 1844 he dreams of lambs following him to his destination; a courtyard, a church; many lambs being transformed into shepherds; a second wonderful big church with the words ‘Here is my house, from here my glory spreads out.’
In reply to questions the Shepherdess says ‘You will understand when you see.’ In his 1845 dream he sees many young people, a small church and then a bigger church.
The Shepherdess moves forward a little, points and says ‘I want God to be honoured in a very special way in this place where Avventore and Ottavio were martyred.’
On 5 April 1846 Don Bosco recognises the Pinardi shed which he had seen many times in his dreams, and he begins to understand.
From that day until 9 June 1868, when the Church of Mary Help of Christians was consecrated, he sees his dreams coming true, the house built, pilgrims arriving. To them he entrusts the task of spreading the glory of Mary Help of Christians throughout the world.
On 18 April 1869 the association was recognised by Mgr A. Riccardi, Archbishop of Turin.
On 5 April 1870 it was raised to Archconfraternity status by Pope Pius IX, and granted the right to include associations of the same name and with similar aims in the Archdiocese of Turin.
In 1877 this right was extended to cover all of Piedmont.
In 1889 Pope Leo XIII authorised the association in all Salesian churches. Five years later, in 1894, this faculty was extended to all Salesian houses. Finally, in 1896, the association was granted the right to include associations attached to diocesan churches.
2. INCLUSION AND DIFFUSION
In a letter of 24 July 1989 the Rector Major Fr. Egidio Viganô recognises that ADMA belongs to the Salesian Family: ‘since it dates from the origins of the Salesians and emphasises the extraordinary importance of the Basilica of Valdocco.’ It is the second official group founded by Don Bosco. The association based in Turin at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians is referred to as the Primaria or primary association.
All the other branches spread throughout the world are linked to the primary one and thus form a single association.
In the period 1891‑1998, 3,249 associations were added.
Of these 3,249 associations 1,500 have been renewed or may be considered as new, following the first International Congress of the Association of Mary Help of Christians which took place in Turin‑Valdocco in 1988, the centenary of the death of Don Bosco.
There are 35,000 active associates living and working in 39 countries.
In the words of Fr. Vigano, ‘The associates are members of the Salesian Family, through their devotion to Mary Help of Christians in the form instituted by Don Bosco himself. They commit themselves to honour Mary Help of Christians and Mother of the Church, participating in Don Bosco’s mission to youth and to the working class, and working to increase and spread the faith among the people.’
ADMA recognises the Rector Major as the father and centre of unity of the whole Salesian Family, and recognises Mary as its guide.
3. PERSONAL COMMITTMENT OF THE ASSOCIATES
The following commitments are recalled in the Regulation:
‑ together with the Church, to emphasise participation in liturgical life, especially in the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation;
‑ to live and spread devotion to Mary Help of Christians according to the spirit of Don Bosco and in line with the renewal of the Salesian Family;
‑ to renew the practice of popular devotions such as the 24th of the month, the rosary, Benediction, novenas, and the feast of Mary Help of Christians;
‑ to imitate Mary by creating a welcoming and Christian environment for the poorest young people;
‑ to live each day in the spirit of the Gospel, above all with gratitude to God and, like Mary, with faith in the Lord at times of difficulty and suffering.
4. COMMITMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION
We recall the following:
‑ to collaborate with the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, particularly the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM);
‑ to promote meetings for catechesis and prayer among families living in the same area, thus multiplying the so‑called ‘domestic Churches’ and supporting the faith of simple people;
‑ to support the establishment of Marian associations, also among young people.
5. ADMA SPIRITUALITY
Following the teaching and example of Don Bosco, ADMA offers to those involved in its activities and undertakings a completely Gospel‑based spirituality. This can be described as: ‑ Christ‑centred: Emphasis on the liturgy of the Church. Frequent participation in the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation.
‑ Ecclesial:
Like Don Bosco, it encourages a strong sense of Church. Pope and pastors are loved and defended.
Collaboration with other groups is sought with a view to spreading devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary.
‑ Marian:
All Christian spirituality refers to Mary.
The association looks to Mary for help in times that are difficult and sad for the faith. It promotes filial devotion to Mary Help of Christians.
‑ Salesian:
Salesian spirituality develops the heritage of the spirit and mission of the whole Salesian Family, according to the heart of the founder, Don Bosco. Members share in the spiritual benefits attached to the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco Turin, and other churches with branches of ADMA.
6. ORGANISATION
The association is directed towards simple people. The association is therefore simple and informal. ADMA is based on local associations which bring their members together in circumstances provided for in the Regulation, so as to help each of them to live everyday life as a Christian.
Membership means being committed to the works and practices of the good Christian. The local association is established by the Salesian provincial. An individual becomes a member after making a free and personal request, and is welcomed into the association during a time of prayer to Our Lady. There are no membership cards or membership dues.
The characteristic which marks out the local association is inclusion in the Primaria of Turin. This reference to the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco constitutes an ideal connection with the project of Don Bosco and his desire to help everybody in every way possible.
The strength of the organisation is derived from the formation of the members at meetings that are part of programme. Christian life encounters new problems and presents new demands each day. To be part of the Salesian Family and member of a group recognised by the Church implies a commitment to growth in faith.
