THE UNPARALLELED POWER OF A MOTHER’S LOVE : OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
By Melinda A. Sequeira | 26 June 2021
Research suggests that Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a Byzantine (Eastern Roman empire, or the Eastern Orhtodox Church) icon that is believed to have its origins dating back to the 13th century. Every time you visit a Catholic home in India and across the world, you will see either one or more religious articles and pictures, in addition to a Crucifix of course. One of the most common ones is Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.
This portrait has grown to become an ubiquitous image of the Catholic Faith, and solely represents the Christian mystery of Redemption. About a century and a half ago, Pope Pius IX entrusted ‘The Redemptorists’ with the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Since then, the members of the Redemptorists order have carved out a reputation for preaching fiery missions and promoting a strong devotion to Mother Mary via this Icon. In 2016, the Redemptorists celebrated the 150th anniversary since acquiring this icon of Mother Mary from the hands of Pope Pius IX, who is the longest reigning Pope in contemporary Church history. When Pope Pius entrusted this icon to them, he urged them to “make Her known throughout the world”.
The feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help falls on the 27th of June to commemorate the Canonical Coronation in 1867. Interestingly, throughout the world, on every wednesday evening, there are devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
The icon is known for being immensely miraculous. Copious amounts of healings and special graces have been hallmarked to this icon, so much so that this image has been venerated and honored by many Popes.
It is painted on wood and portrays the Virgin Mary, under the title “Mother of God” holding baby Jesus. You can see Archangels Michael and Gabriel hovering over them on either side while holding instruments of the Passion. St. Michael is seen on the top left corner holding the spear, a wine-soaked sponge and the crown of thorns. And on the other corner, St. Gabriel carries the Cross and nails.
There is a very beautiful story behind this painting. The artist’s objective was to illustrate baby Jesus scrutinizing the vision of His future Passion. He feared the monumental pain of the vision and ran to his Mother for comfort. He ran so fast that one of his sandals came loose and can be seen falling off his foot while being carried by His mother. In a particularly loving and beautiful way, Jesus holds the hand of his mother. He seeks solace from her when He sees the instruments of His Passion. Mother Mary is illustrated so detailed here, you can see the position of her hands, one lovingly carrying her Son, and simultaneously her other hand simply presenting Jesus to the world, to show us the reality of our Lord’s incarnation, and that He is true God, who became true Man.
One of the greatest teachings from this icon is the unparalleled power of a Mother’s love. Jesus, as always, leads by example. Just as he ran into the arms of His Mother in a time of despair, we too can confide in Mother Mary with immense confidence, whenever fear, pain and anxiety wraps our hearts and minds. Our Lord wholeheartedly shares His mother with the world for this reason. Just as she comforted Him in His time of need, she will do the same and more for the people who call on her intercession. Mother Mary is represented as the one who shepherds us to the Redeemer and who intercedes to her Son on our behalf. Have you noticed the star painted on Mother Mary’s veil centred on her forehead? This highlights her significant role in the plan of Salvation as both the Mother of Jesus and our Mother.
In Spite of the fearful vision of suffering, this iconic painting also conveys a very powerful message. The distress and anguish on Jesus’s face speaks volumes. This icon depicts pain yet hope. It tells us that there is always a silver lining no matter how tough life can get. The golden background symbolizes the victory of Christ over sin and death and is a sign of the glory of the resurrection.
The immense and mighty role of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is explained in mind-blowing detail in some of ATC’s bestselling books on Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Embracing the Icon of Love and Our Mother of Perpetual Help…and other powerful books on Mama Mary – Life Of Mother Mary, In the End my Immaculate Heart will triumph, and The Essential Mary Handbook.
If you haven’t already read them, I suggest you get your hands on these books at the earliest.
I’ve linked them below, please click on the links to get your own copy.
IN THE END MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL TRIUMPH
