Our Lady of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour) is a Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary as represented in a celebrated 15th-century Byzantine icon also associated with the same Marian apparition.
The icon has been in Rome since 1499, and is permanently enshrined in the church of Sant’ Alfonso di Liguori, where the official Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help text is prayed weekly. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, this artistic iconography is known as the Virgin of the Passion or Theotokos of the Passion due to the instruments of the Passion present on the image.
On 23 June 1867, the image was granted a Canonical Coronation and its official recognition of the Marian icon under its present title. The Redemptorist priests are the only religious order currently entrusted by the Holy See to protect and propagate a Marian religious work of art.
The feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is celebrated on June 27, with novena devotions held every Wednesday. Under Pope Pius XII’s Pontificate, our Mother of Perpetual Help was designated as the national Patroness of the Republic of Haiti and Almoradi, Spain.
What is the symbolism of the icon?
- Greek initial for Mother of God.
- Greek initial for St. Michael, the archangel.
- Greek initial for St. Gabriel, the archangel.
- Mary’s mouth is small for silent recollection. She speaks little.
- Mary’s eyes are larger, for in all our troubles, they are turned towards us always.
- Star on our Lady’s veil means she is the star of the sea who brought the light Jesus into this world.
- Red tunic is the color worn by virgins at the time of Christ (AD33).
- Christ’s hands turned palms down into his mother’s indicate that the grace of redemption is in her keeping.
- Mary’s left hand supports Christ possessively. That means she is his mother. It’s a comforting hand for everyone who calls on her.
- Dark blue mantle – the color worn by mothers in Palestine. means Mary is both virgin and mother of Christ.
- The entire background is gold representing the heaven.
- Golden crown placed on the original picture as a token of many miracles wrought by our lady invoked under the title of perpetual help.
- Greek initials for Jesus Christ.
- Foot with falling sandal represents Christ’s divine nature, barely clinging to earth. The human nature is symbolized in the other foot to which the sandal is more firmly bound. This simply means that Christ has two natures, Human and Divine.
The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help has grown steadily over the centuries, as more and more individuals turn to her in times of need. Her image serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we are not alone. She reminds us that there is always someone ready to assist us, offering solace and guidance along life’s journey.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help holds a special place in the hearts of many believers, providing solace, guidance, and intercession. Her image serves as a constant reminder of the enduring power of faith, compassion, and love in our lives. Whether it is in times of joy or sorrow, her presence offers comfort and hope to those who seek her assistance. The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help continues to flourish, as people find solace and inspiration in her unwavering care and maternal love.
Kenrick Vaz 