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Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Roman Catholic tradition, associated with a renowned Byzantine icon that depicts her holding the Child Jesus, who recoils in fear at the sight of Archangels and presenting instruments of his future . The icon, classified as a type known as (meaning "She who shows the way"), originated in and is believed to date to between 1325 and 1480 based on analysis of its wooden panel. According to legend, a transported the icon from to in the late , where it was entrusted to the Church of San Matteo in Merulana on March 27, 1499, following visions reported to a young girl urging its proper veneration. The image remained there until the church's destruction by Napoleon's forces in 1798, after which it was relocated to the Church of Santa Maria in Posterula. In 1865, Redemptorist Father Michael Marchi rediscovered the icon's whereabouts, prompting the order's Superior General, Father Nicholas Mauron, to petition Pope Pius IX for its custody. On December 11, 1865, the Pope granted the request and, on April 26, 1866, the icon was solemnly enthroned in the Redemptorists' Church of Sant'Alfonso di Liguori on Via Merulana in Rome, where it remains today as the centerpiece of the Sanctuary of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Pius IX personally named the icon Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso (Mother of Perpetual Help) and instructed the Redemptorists to "make her known throughout the world," leading to its global dissemination through missions, novenas, and reproductions in over 78 countries. The devotion emphasizes Mary's role as a compassionate intercessor and source of , symbolized in the by her serene gaze, protective hand on , and the Child's fallen sandal representing human vulnerability. It has become one of the most popular , with millions participating in weekly novenas, pilgrimages, and feast day celebrations on June 27, and countless shrines worldwide, including early U.S. establishments in 1868. The was crowned in 1867 and restored in 1990 by experts from the , confirming its artistic and spiritual authenticity.

History

Claims of Origin

The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is traditionally attributed to the , a prominent artist of the post-Byzantine who blended Eastern iconographic traditions with Western influences from Venetian rule over . Art historian Mario Cattapan identified Rizo as the likely creator based on stylistic analysis, noting the icon's resemblance to his known works in composition and technique, which feature gold backgrounds, symbolic motifs, and subtle Italianate shading. This attribution places the painting in the late , though some traditions extend the possible dating to the 13th or 14th century, reflecting broader uncertainties in Cretan icon provenance. Scientific analysis, including carbon-14 dating of the wooden panel during the 1990 restoration, dates the icon to between 1325 and 1480. The painting's style exemplifies the , characterized by a fusion of strict Byzantine formalism—such as the hieratic poses and spiritual expressiveness—with elements like enhanced realism in facial features and drapery folds, arising from 's position as a cultural crossroads under control from to 1669. Discrepancies in origin stories highlight tensions between and influences: while the core remains purely Byzantine (depicting the Virgin of the type), the execution shows technical innovations, leading some scholars to debate whether it was produced by a artist adapting to commissions or an Italian-trained painter working in . These variations underscore the hybrid nature of Cretan art during this period, with no definitive consensus on exact authorship beyond Rizo's workshop. Tradition holds that the icon originated at the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa (also known as Keras Kardiotissas) near Heraklion on Crete, where it was venerated as the Panagia Kardiotissa and renowned for miraculous interventions, including healings and protections attributed to the Virgin Mary. Historical records mention its fame as early as 1415, when Italian pilgrim Christopher Buondelmonti described apparitions and miracles associated with the image during his travels in Crete, noting its role in drawing devotees to the monastery amid regional turmoil. Legends recount specific wonders, such as the icon's eyes reportedly moving to console the afflicted or averting disasters, which solidified its reputation as a powerful intercessor long before its departure from the island. According to longstanding accounts preserved by the , the icon was removed from the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa around 1495–1499, when a took it to via merchant ships. This narrative portrays the act as protective during the late period in , though alternative legends claim even earlier removals or attributions to 9th-century painters like Zographos; these are dismissed by scholars in favor of the 15th-century Cretan context. The Ottoman conquest of occurred much later, in 1669. Upon the 's death in , it passed to his family, who kept it in private devotion until rediscovery in the .

Early Custody and Transfer to Rome

According to tradition, a merchant who had acquired the from brought it to , where he fell gravely ill and died around 1499, entrusting it to a friend with instructions to return it to a . The friend's family retained possession for several months, during which the Virgin appeared in visions to the friend's six-year-old , repeatedly urging the family to place the icon in a situated between the basilicas of Saint Mary Major and Saint John Lateran. Heeding these apparitions, the family processed the icon to the Church of San Matteo in Via Merulana on March 27, 1499, where it was enshrined under the care of the Augustinian friars and venerated privately for over three centuries. The remained in relative obscurity at San Matteo through the , but the occupation of Rome during the brought significant disruption. In , Napoleon's forces demolished the church, prompting the to remove the icon for safekeeping; it sustained some damage during this period and was relocated first to the Church of Sant'Eusebio, then to the nearby Monastery of Santa Maria in Posterula. There, it hung forgotten above a for nearly 67 years, largely unknown to the public amid the post-war instability. The rediscovery occurred in 1863, when Redemptorist Father Michael Marchi, attending a lecture on the of San Matteo in the order's Roman community, recalled seeing the icon as a child in Santa Maria in Posterula, guided by an earlier account from a lay brother. Intrigued, the Redemptorists investigated and confirmed the icon's identity and location with the Augustinians. On December 11, 1865, Pope Pius IX personally ordered the Redemptorists to retrieve the icon, restore it to public veneration, and propagate devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help worldwide under that title. In January 1866, Fathers Marchi and Ernest Bresciani collected the icon from the , had it restored, and prepared for its solemn transfer. The "translation" ceremony took place on April 26, 1866, with a grand from the Augustinian to the ' Church of in , where it was publicly enthroned amid widespread devotion and reports of immediate graces.

Redemptorist Custodianship

In 1865, granted custodianship of the icon to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the , entrusting it to their care on December 11 of that year following their petition for its transfer to their newly constructed church in . The pontiff formally delivered the icon to the order in 1866, directing them to promote its veneration as a central element of their missionary apostolate among the poor and abandoned. From 1866 onward, the Redemptorists undertook extensive efforts to propagate the devotion worldwide, establishing shrines, commissioning faithful copies of the icon for distribution, and integrating it into their evangelization missions, novenas, and activities. These initiatives spread the image and associated prayers across five continents in 78 countries, with copies enshrined in countless churches, homes, and basilicas, fostering a of devotion. Representative shrines under Redemptorist oversight include the of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in , —the largest such site—and the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in , , where the icon serves as a focal point for pilgrimages and communal prayer. The icon's significance received further official recognition through papal indulgences and approvals, reinforcing the Redemptorists' role in its promotion. granted a 100-day to those reciting the invocation "Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us," while placed a copy in his private chapel and extended devotional permissions. In 2015, for the 150th anniversary of the icon's , granted a plenary during a Jubilee Year from June 27, 2015, to June 27, 2016, applicable under standard conditions to encourage participation in Redemptorist-led celebrations. The original icon remains at the Church of Sant'Alfonso di Liguori in , the ' international headquarters, where it is enshrined in a dedicated as the order's primary spiritual treasure. Under their custodianship, the operates daily from 6:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with closures from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in summer, ensuring structured access for pilgrims while maintaining a prayerful atmosphere. Preservation falls under Redemptorist protocols, including restricted handling to prevent damage, periodic inspections by order-appointed experts, and integration into liturgical life without compromising the icon's historical integrity.

The Icon

Artistic Composition

The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help measures approximately 53 cm in height by 41 cm in width and is painted in on a wooden panel. It exhibits a Byzantine style characteristic of 15th-century Cretan , influenced by the island's rule, which introduced subtle elements such as more naturalistic facial features and three-dimensional modeling. The Virgin Mary is depicted in a half-length , seated on a cushioned that emphasizes her regal posture. She holds the Child Jesus on her left arm and knee, with her left hand supporting his body while her right hand is raised in a of blessing or presentation. The Child Jesus clings to Mary in a dynamic pose, grasping her right hand with both of his while turning his head to gaze toward the upper right of the composition; his right foot is curled around the left ankle, causing one golden sandal to slip off and dangle precariously, adding a distinctive sense of movement to the scene. Flanking the central figures are the Archangels Michael and , positioned in the upper corners as smaller, hovering attendants. Archangel Michael appears on the viewer's left, clad in a and holding a lance, a sponge on a pole, and a . Archangel is on the viewer's right, dressed in a with a red cloak, bearing a and nails. The golden background unifies the composition, highlighting the figures against a heavenly setting.

Iconography and Symbolism

The of Our Lady of Perpetual Help conveys profound theological meanings through its elements, emphasizing Mary's as a compassionate intercessor and the anticipation of Christ's . Mary's sorrowful yet serene expression reflects her foreknowledge of the , symbolizing her perpetual help to humanity in times of trial by offering maternal solace and directing the faithful to her Son for . The Child Jesus clings to his Mother with evident fear, his gaze fixed on the instruments of the Passion held by the angels, while one sandal slips from his foot, illustrating his human awareness of impending suffering and inviting devotees to contemplate the vulnerability of the Incarnation. This symbolism underscores the icon's message that Mary aids believers in facing life's crosses, mirroring Christ's own humanity. The archangels and flank the figures, bearing attributes of the : holds the crown of thorns, , and soaked in vinegar, while presents the and nails, signifying the future that unites divine with human . These elements highlight the icon's focus on eschatological hope, where suffering leads to eternal victory. Overall, the icon blends the typology, where Mary points to Christ as the path to salvation, with the Eleusa style of tender maternal embrace, creating a unique portrayal of emotional intimacy that fosters devotion and invites contemplation of the Mother-Son bond. This synthesis distinguishes it within Byzantine iconography, emphasizing compassionate mediation.

Restoration and Scientific Analysis

The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help underwent significant restoration in 1866 under the direction of the , following its transfer to the Church of St. Alphonsus in ; this effort primarily involved the careful removal of heavy overpainting and repainting added during the to adapt the image to Western tastes, thereby revealing more of the original Byzantine features. Subsequent cleanings occurred in the mid-20th century, with a notable in the 1950s to address surface dirt and minor damages accumulated from environmental exposure and . The most extensive 20th-century took place in 1990, when the was removed from its altar for examination and treatment; this process included the removal of protective crowns added in the , gentle cleaning of varnishes, and stabilization of the wooden support to mitigate cracking and fungal risks. Scientific analyses accompanying the 1990s restorations provided key insights into the icon's authenticity and materials. dating conducted on samples from the wooden panel in 1994 dated the timber to between 1325 and 1480 AD, aligning with a 14th-century Byzantine origin and supporting historical claims of its antiquity. examination during these studies identified the use of natural derived from for the Virgin Mary's mantle, a premium blue pigment characteristic of high-quality Byzantine icons due to its rarity and vibrant hue, alongside applied to the background and accents to evoke . These findings confirmed adherence to traditional techniques, with no evidence of modern anachronisms. Advanced imaging techniques were employed in the 1990 restoration, including radiography to detect underlying repairs and structural weaknesses in the panel, and infrared reflectography to uncover preliminary underdrawings and compositional changes made by the original artist. Ultraviolet fluorescence further highlighted previous interventions and areas of retouching, ensuring the preserved the icon's integrity without altering its historical layers.

Devotional Practices

Feast Day

The feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is observed on June 27 in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. established the feast in 1867 as a duplex , commemorating the solemn translation of the icon from the Church of San Matteo in Merulana to the Redemptorist Church of Sant'Alfonso di Liguori in on April 26, 1866. The proper features an introit invoking rejoicing in the Lord for the Blessed Virgin Mary's , with the beseeching to grant aid through the icon's under the title of Perpetual Succor, emphasizing Mary's merciful for the faithful. The Gospel reading is from John 19:25-27, recounting Mary standing at the foot of the cross alongside the beloved disciple, underscoring her maternal role in humanity's . At the Roman shrine of Sant'Alfonso, the feast includes solemn Eucharistic celebrations that culminate the weekly devotions, often accompanied by processions through Rome's Esquiline district to honor the 's protective presence. visited the shrine on June 29, 1991, and celebrated before the , highlighting its significance as a symbol of Mary's . While the date predominates in the Western rite, Eastern Catholic traditions reflect the icon's Byzantine origins by associating its veneration with feasts of the Mother of God of the , observed on May 13 and during the August liturgical cycle, incorporating elements like the and akathists that emphasize her role in Christ's .

and Associated Prayers

The to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a structured nine-day Catholic devotion centered on the icon, initiated by the shortly after entrusted them with its custody in 1866 to promote veneration worldwide. This practice draws participants into daily reflections on the icon's symbolic elements, such as the Virgin Mary's protective gaze and the Child ' apprehension, while offering petitions for perpetual assistance in times of need. Central to the is the "Behold at thy feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help," a heartfelt recited by devotees as a wretched sinner seeking Mary's and confident before . Additional elements include a praising Mary's attributes and versions that elaborate on her role as dispenser of graces, fostering a deepening trust in her maternal care. The granted indulgences to encourage participation, with partial and plenary indulgences attached to the 's prayers and reception of the sacraments, as noted in early devotional approved under around 1870. Further enrichments came in 1921 when additional indulgences were extended to members fulfilling the requirements, underscoring the Church's endorsement of this path to spiritual renewal. In contemporary adaptations, the novena is often led in parishes with communal gatherings or facilitated online through guided audio and video resources, maintaining its focus on themes of enduring suffering and renewed hope amid personal trials.

Patronage

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is invoked as a protector against various physical and spiritual afflictions, including illness, childbirth, and death, reflecting the broad scope of her title as a source of constant aid. Devotees also seek her intercession for travelers facing dangers on journeys, the dying in their final moments, and those enduring temptations, emphasizing her role in both temporal and spiritual succor. These patronages stem from the icon's symbolism of maternal care amid suffering, as seen in traditional litanies where she is hailed as "patron of the dying" and advocate for sinners. The official title "Mother of Perpetual Succour"—notably using the British spelling—highlights her enduring role in providing spiritual and temporal assistance to the faithful in distress. This invocation underscores her availability for all needs, from everyday trials to profound crises, as propagated through approved prayers and devotions. Historically, the icon has been linked to the Redemptorist order's missions for the poor and afflicted since 1866, when entrusted it to them with the directive to "make her known throughout the world" as a means of evangelizing the marginalized. This association reinforced her patronage over those in poverty, suffering, and abandonment, integrating her into the order's outreach efforts across parishes and missions. Notable examples of her patronage include her designation as principal patron of the Redemptorist Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a role affirmed through papal approval and enshrined in the order's charism. She is also the official patroness of , where the National Bishops' Conference placed the nation under her protection, and in 1942, the president consecrated the country to her amid national challenges. Additionally, she serves as patron of Boston's Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Mission Church), a Redemptorist-staffed established in 1878 that draws pilgrims seeking her aid in affliction.

Veneration

In Europe

The veneration of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Europe centers on the original icon housed in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome, Italy, a neo-Gothic basilica entrusted to the Redemptorists since 1866. This shrine attracts numerous pilgrims annually, drawn by the icon's reputed miraculous intercessions and its role as a focal point for Marian devotion. On the feast day of June 27, a traditional procession carries a replica of the icon along the Via Merulana between the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, involving clergy, religious, and laity in a public affirmation of faith, as seen in the 2023 event with over 70 participants. The Roman basilica, elevated to papal status by Pope Pius XII, exemplifies Italy's deep-rooted tradition, with additional Redemptorist churches across the country, such as those in Naples and Scala, promoting copies of the icon and local novenas. In Ukraine, devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help thrives among Eastern Catholics and Orthodox communities, reflecting the icon's Byzantine origins and post-Soviet revival. The observes the feast on the first Sunday of July, emphasizing Mary's role as protector amid historical hardships. Notable sites include the historic Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in , one of the oldest Ukrainian Greek Catholic parishes, and the church in near , both featuring replicas that draw pilgrims for prayer and healing. The resumed ministry in the region in 2023 after an 11-year hiatus following Soviet-era suppression, revitalizing the cult that flourished there since the late , particularly in Mostyska where it spread across and lands. Devotion extends to other European nations through Redemptorist foundations and local traditions. In Ireland, the icon's connection dates to 1656 when Irish safeguarded an early copy, and propagated the devotion from in the , leading to annual novenas at sites like the Redemptoristine Monastery in Dublin's Drumcondra. In , dedicated churches such as the Klosterkirche der Barmherzigen Brüder von Maria Hilf in honor the title with neo-Gothic altars and relics, fostering local feasts tied to reported miracles of . Across , the devotion influences broader Marian movements, including the 2017 International European Congress on the Icon in , hosted by , which gathered scholars and faithful to explore its theological significance.

In Asia

The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help has flourished in , particularly through the efforts of missionaries who integrated the icon into local Catholic practices following colonial-era introductions by Portuguese and Spanish evangelizers. In the , the of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in , , stands as a premier site of veneration. Established by the in 1932 amid a modest , the shrine's construction of a wooden chapel marked the beginning of organized devotion, with the perpetual inaugurated on June 23, 1948, initially drawing 70 participants but swelling to thousands within months and tens of thousands by the end of 1949 due to its emphasis on Mary's for the needy. In January 1958, the Philippine Catholic officially proclaimed it the of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, recognizing its rapid growth and national appeal. The Wednesday novenas, a hallmark of the shrine, attract millions of pilgrims annually from across the country and abroad, blending fervent prayers with communal Masses that underscore themes of perpetual aid amid socioeconomic challenges. In , the 's veneration is deeply rooted among Syro-Malabar Catholics, especially in , where shrines like the Nithya Sahaya Matha Church in Mattom serve as focal points for healing devotions and pilgrimages. This shrine, one of the most prominent in the region, draws devotees seeking Mary's succor for physical and spiritual ailments, with weekly fostering a sense of communal solace within the Syro-Malabar tradition. In , the devotion took hold early through St. Michael's Church in , where Father Edward Fernandes initiated the Perpetual Succour on September 8, 1948, after bringing a of the icon from , leading to sustained gatherings that emphasize deliverance from hardships. These sites reflect the icon's adaptation to Indian contexts, often incorporating local liturgical elements while maintaining its core symbolism of maternal protection. Singapore's Church of St. Alphonsus, commonly known as Novena Church, exemplifies multicultural veneration in urban Asia. Administered by the since 1938, the church hosts Saturday novenas to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, attracting a diverse array of pilgrims including locals, expatriates, and tourists from various ethnic backgrounds, with services in English, , and to accommodate Singapore's pluralistic society. These gatherings, which began in the mid-20th century, have evolved into a weekly phenomenon, promoting for personal and familial needs and drawing over a thousand attendees per session. Across broader , the devotion spread via 16th- and 19th-century Portuguese and missions, influencing regions like and with localized artistic renditions of the icon that blend Byzantine elements with indigenous motifs. In , Redemptorist missionaries introduced the icon in the early , establishing key sites such as the Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Hue, constructed between 1937 and 1942 and formalized as a in 1954, where it remains a center for novenas amid a history of evangelization. In , the icon's presence emerged through similar missionary networks, with churches like those in incorporating adapted replicas into Javanese Catholic practices, emphasizing perpetual help in daily life.

In the Americas

Veneration of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the has been deeply intertwined with immigrant communities, particularly , , and Hispanic Catholics, who brought the devotion from and adapted it to local contexts through shrines, novenas, and festivals. The , entrusted with promoting the icon globally since 1866, established key sites across the continent, fostering a network of devotion that emphasizes healing and maternal intercession. In the United States, the and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in , —informally known as the Mission Church—was dedicated in 1878 as the first church worldwide specifically built for this title, serving Irish immigrants and later diverse urban populations. The shrine hosts weekly novenas on Wednesdays, drawing thousands for prayers seeking physical and spiritual aid, and is recognized as a spiritual fortress for the city, with patronage invoked over 's Catholic community. Between 1871 and 1899, 331 miracles, including healings from illnesses like and , were documented at the site, underscoring its role as a center of reported graces. Other notable locations include the historic St. Mary of Perpetual Help in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood, founded in 1882 for Polish immigrants and featuring a revered copy of the , and the former Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Louis, Missouri, established in 1874, which inspired the local Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help congregation founded in 1901 to serve education and healthcare needs. Canada hosts significant shrines reflecting English, French, and Indigenous influences. The in , , elevated to minor basilica status and serving as former co-cathedral of the Diocese of Labrador City-Schefferville, was constructed in 1967 to accommodate mining communities and hosts annual feasts with processions. In , Ontario, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish at 78 Clifton Road, established in the mid-20th century for mid-town residents, maintains active novenas and integrates the devotion into multicultural liturgies. In Latin America, the devotion thrives amid strong Hispanic Marian traditions, with shrines emphasizing communal piety. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in El Vigía, Mérida state, Venezuela, serves as the diocesan seat since 1994, featuring a prominent icon and drawing pilgrims for healings during regional feasts. In Mexico, the Templo de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro in Guadalajara, Jalisco—a historic church built in the early 20th century with a faithful copy of the Byzantine icon—anchors local veneration, hosting daily masses and novenas tied to broader Guadalupan spirituality. These sites reflect ties to Hispanic Marian piety, where the icon complements devotions like Our Lady of Guadalupe in fostering community resilience. Culturally, Our Lady of Perpetual Help plays a vital role in Catholic festivals across the , such as processions in Peruvian confraternities and parish celebrations, where replicas of the are carried in vibrant parades symbolizing hope amid and hardship. Attributed healings, including recoveries from chronic diseases reported in Venezuelan and shrines, reinforce her as a perpetual intercessor for immigrant families, blending European origins with indigenous and expressions of faith.

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