The Marian Shrine in Stony Point is inviting the faithful to “celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians, beloved patroness of the Salesian family, with a beautiful day of prayer, procession, and devotion at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.”

The three-hour gathering is set for this Saturday, May 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the eve of the feast day, May 24. The shrine is located at 174 Filors Lane, Stony Point (Rockland County).

Organizers said the special celebration will feature Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass, a Rosary procession to the 48-foot Madonna of the Rosary, and a Marian Crowning Ceremony with a closing prayer. “Come honor Our Blessed Mother and pray for her guidance, protection, and intercession,” the shrine’s website says. Mass is scheduled for noon. For more information, visit marianshrine.org.

The feast of Mary Help of Christians is related to several historical events:

The Return of Pope Pius VII, who established the feast after his miraculous release from imprisonment by Napoleon and his triumphant return to Rome on May 24, 1814.

The Battle of Lepanto: The title “Help of Christians” was popularized by Pope St. Pius V in the 1500s after the pivotal Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto.

St. John Bosco: The devotion was widely popularized by St. John Bosco in the 19th century and is the patronal feast of the Salesian family.

Australia and China: It is the principal patronal feast of Australasia, and Pope Benedict XVI declared May 24 a Global Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

Other upcoming shrine events:

Pentecost Festival 2026: Bilingual Catholic Worship Night with special guest music artist Joan Sanchez, Sunday, May 24, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (English, Spanish).

“Celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at our Pentecost Festival 2026 at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians,” organizers said in a statement. “Join us for a powerful evening of Eucharistic Adoration, preaching, and vibrant praise and worship as we come together as one community in faith.”

They said the event will feature prominent Catholic recording artist Joan Sanchez, noting his music has inspired a multitude of hearts through songs like “Rey de Mi Vida” and “Llena Este Lugar” (“King of My Life” and “Fill This Place”). The gathering will include Eucharistic Adoration, preaching, live praise and worship music led by Sanchez, and a renewed encounter with the Holy Spirit.

Ukrainian Celebration

Ukrainian Celebration of the Mother of God from Zarvanytsia, Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers invite the faithful to come to the shrine “for a special cultural and spiritual celebration honoring the Mother of God from Zarvanytsia, one of the most beloved Marian devotions of the Ukrainian Catholic tradition.”

They said the “beautiful gathering will include confession, Holy Mass, and a joyful afternoon of Ukrainian music, dance, and food as we celebrate faith, heritage, and devotion to Our Lady. All are welcome to experience this rich tradition of prayer and community.” Mass will be at noon.