Mary Help of Christians began serving the Youth, especially the underprivileged, of Tampa Bay in 1928 when Alicia Gonzalez Neve (1869-1952) donated over a Hundred acres of land on East Lake to the Salesians of Don Bosco to open a Salesian orphanage for boys. Mrs. Neve gave her property, home and savings to develop both the orphanage, which was later named the “Mary Help of Christians School”, and build the “Villa Madonna School” on West Columbus Drive in Tampa
“Mary Help of Christians” is modeled after the “Oratory of Valdocco” in Turin, Italy, founded by St. John Bosco. Both Tampa schools flourished with her support and the children loved to be in her presence. For many of these orphans, it was the only true experience of family they ever knew. Serving grades 1-12, “Mary Help of Christians” was academically one of the finest schools in central Florida. As federal and state regulations changed regarding the education of orphans, the school evolved from a boarding school to an all “day school” by 1998, and then into a Catholic middle school for boys and girls. In light of declining enrollment, the Salesians closed the middle school on May 31, 2006. After the closure of the school there followed a one-year pastoral planning process and the campus was renamed “Mary Help of Christians Center”. This brought about a change in scope for the Salesians who still recognized an urgent need to serve the youth in the community, most of which live in disadvantaged circumstances.
Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School
In August 2016, the inaugural freshman class entered Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School, a campus founded by the Salesians of Don Bosco. As the largest network of high schools in the United States whose enrollment is limited to low-income youth, the Cristo Rey Network delivers a distinctive approach to inner-city education that equips students with the knowledge, character, and skills to transform their lives. From freshman year, Cristo Rey schools establish a culture of high-expectations by blending rigorous academics, four years of professional work experience, Catholic moral values, and support for students to and through college.
All those within Don Bosco’s spiritual family share his educational method, popularly called “The Preventive System” which focuses on developing the whole person – body, heart, mind and spirit. It seeks to prevent the need for punishment by placing the child in an environment in which he or she is encouraged to be the best they can be. It is a congenial, friendly and holistic approach to education. The basic principle of his system is a deep understanding and love for young people and their problems. The Salesian charism continues Don Bosco’s vision and responds to a great need felt by young people to “know that they are loved.” Significantly, Don Bosco’s example and educational methods have inspired a Gospel lifestyle which leads to holiness in life, as witnessed in the lives of those who have embraced Don Bosco’s experience and made it their own.
Current Campus Facilities
Today, an active alumni association continues to visit the campus and support the various programs offered. The Mary Help of Christians Church is home to the local Catholic parish within the Diocese of St. Petersburg, serving Catholic families and young people not only in the vicinity of East Lake but the regional Tampa Bay area with Daily Mass, and various vibrant ministries. The campus is also home to many Catholic youth who travel from all across the country for their own spiritual retreats and gatherings throughout the year, as well as serving as a base for the Korean Catholic Mission of Tampa and is also home to the St. Philip Residence, a retirement community for Salesian Priests and Brothers who are involved in the ministry even in their senior years.
The spacious campus is also home to Mary Has a Little Farm which offers children and families the opportunity to engage and experience God’s little creatures in a setting of peace, love, and tranquility. Education is at the heart of the mission of Mary Has a Little Farm. All schools, including private schools and homeschool groups, are welcome and is a Hillsborough County Public Schools approved vendor.
The Barn is an events venue with numerous possibilities. Hosts can invite their guests to enjoy the charm and beauty of the Farm while mingling with the farm animals. There is nothing more perfect than a Barn party with a bonfire and a hayride, an afternoon kids’ birthday party, an “out of office” business meeting, a ladies wine night, or men’s BBQ. It is the ideal venue for a relaxed and memorable event from sunlight to moonlight.
The Mary Help of Christians Camp is a summertime favorite where for five weeks of the summer, youth ages 9-15 focus on living as Christian disciples and being witnesses of the gospel to one another while enjoying outdoor activities. A daily program designed by the Salesians makes the camp a great place where faith and fun come together.
Mary Help of Christians is also home to many adult and youth retreats including the Antioch Retreat which is peer ministry at its best. Every year we are thrilled to invite all Teens and Young Adults to be a part of it. The Antioch experience gives teens time and space to question whether they are growing in the Catholic Christian faith or just “going through the motions”. The weekend is given entirely by experienced young adults with the help of a few adult spiritual directors. Guided by this group of well-trained young men and women (Peers), teens share their faith stories with each other and come to know Jesus more personally. The weekend is also a time for relaxation and community spirit. The Antioch retreat is a wonderful opportunity for your questions to be addressed concerning the Catholic faith and can be an amazing experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
The Mary Help of Christians Center is a year-round facility that focuses on serving the entire Tampa Bay community, its youth and local children by continuing to regularly offer programs through the parish, Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School and through the various events held daily, on weekends, during after-school hours and throughout the summer.
Please come and visit us and see for yourself the vibrant Salesian Spirit that Mrs. Neve dreamed of for the Youth and Families of the Tampa Bay area STILL alive and thriving at The Mary Help of Christians Center!
Mary Help of Christians Historical and Preservation Society 