About Us

What is ADMA?

The Association of Mary Help of Christians (Associazione di Maria Ausiliatrice, ADMA) is a lay association within the Salesian Family, which was founded by St. John Bosco in 1869. It focuses on supporting the Salesian mission through various forms of collaboration and service in the Roman Catholic Church, especially through the veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and the devotion to Mary Help of Christians. Members are dedicated to promoting the education and welfare of young people, especially those in need, in line with the spirit and teachings of St. John Bosco.

Why the “Y“?

ADMA Youth (ADMA-Y) represents the dynamic, youthful expression of the Association of Mary Help of Christians. Designed specifically for youth and young adults, ADMA-Y offers engaging activities and teachings tailored to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of their faith. By aligning with ADMA’s principles, these activities aim to make religious education more relatable and appealing. Our goal is that, as they mature, participants will be well-informed about the various opportunities and vocations within the Salesian Family, prepared to make thoughtful choices about their future.

Our Mission

Our mission is to spread the faith and share the grace of God through the teachings of Don Bosco, the Salesian charism, and the modalities of the Association of Mary Help of Christians. We aim to engage the youth and young adults in our community at St. Dominic Savio in Bellflower, California, by bridging the gap between them and the Salesian Family.

We are dedicated to exposing and educating the youth about the Salesian Family, encouraging their involvement with Salesian groups at our parish. Through reason, religion, and loving-kindness, we strive to form youth and young adults into honest citizens and good Christians. By creating a welcoming environment we aim to inspire, empower, and foster an increase in vocations, particularly within the Salesian Family.

How it Started

ADMA Youth (ADMA-Y), USA West was established in May 2021 in Bellflower, California, inspired by the vision of St. John Bosco and Mary Help of Christians. The initiative began when the president of the local ADMA group at St. Dominic Savio Parish approached a dedicated young adult who was deeply involved in the parish. The president at the time then invited her to start a youth branch of ADMA. Initially hesitant, she felt a profound call from the Holy Spirit and was motivated by the enthusiasm of the parish youth seeking more engagement.

With the support of a remarkable, faith-driven team, they dedicated a year to formation and extensive research. Their efforts culminated in the successful launch of ADMA-Y, with its first official meeting held in April 2022. The organization has since become a dynamic community for young people devoted to Mary Help of Christians, guiding them towards a path within the Salesian Family and toward spiritual fulfillment.

Click here to view more details about the structure of
ADMA-Y at St. Dominic Savio Parish in Bellflower, California, USA

Devotion to Mary Help of Christians

Devotion to Mary encourages Catholics to deepen their relationship with Christ and enrich their spiritual lives. We believe that Mary is the Mother of God, a model of faith, and a symbol of hope. As our intercessor, she helps draw us closer to her Son, Jesus. This is the essence of our devotion to Mary and the Saints: they intercede for us before Christ in heaven and provide examples for us to follow. In our lives, we can follow Mary by saying "yes" to God’s call.

St. John Bosco had a prophetic dream in 1862, known as the Dream of the Two Pillars. In this vision, the Church is represented by a ship, while the two pillars symbolize devotion to Mary, Help of Christians, and the Holy Eucharist. As the ship faces persecution from enemy vessels, these pillars offer safety and stability. The dream conveys that the future of the Church is secure if the faithful remain committed to these devotions, which serve as the very foundation of the Association of Mary Help of Christians.

Mary Help of Christians,
pray for us

Blessed and Praised every moment be the most Holy and Divine Sacrament

ADMA-Y Leadership with
Mother General,
Sr. Chiara Cazzuola &

Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians - Western Province, USA,
Sr. Thuy Huong Nguyen

Bellflower, California
September 2024

ADMA-Y Facilitators with
ADMA Primary Spiritual Animator,
Fr. Gabriel Cruz &

ADMA Primary World Animator,
Sr. Lucrecia Uribe

IX International Congress of ADMA,
Fatima
August 2024

ADMA-Y Facilitators with
Regional Councilor of Interamerica,
Fr. Hugo Orozco Sanchez

Bellflower, California
April 2024

ADMA-Y Facilitators with former
ADMA Primary Spiritual Animator,
Fr. Alejandro Guevara Rodriguez

World Youth Day, Lisboa
August 2023

ADMA-Y Facilitators with
Councilor for Youth Ministry FMA,
Sr. Runita Galve Borja

Bellflower, California
March 2023

ADMA-Y Facilitators with
Rector Major,
Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime

Bellflower, California
November 2022

ADMA-Youth Facilitators

  • Margarita Hernandez

    PRESIDENT
    Founder

  • Mirna Cabrera

    VICE-PRESIDENT

  • Benjamin Pluma

    SECRETARY
    Co-Founder

  • Gabriela Hernandez

    TREASURER
    Co-Founder

  • Giselle Romero

    COUNCILOR, Social Media

  • April Pluma

    COUNCILOR, General

  • These remarkable individuals form the First Council of ADMA Youth, USA West, based in Bellflower, California. After years of service and dedication at the Parish of St. Dominic Savio, they united to establish the first ADMA Youth group in the United States. Their singular mission: to save souls.