OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

        

Devotions to Mary, Mother of Perpetual help is one of the most popular devotions to Mary. The title of our Lady as the Mother of Perpetual help evokes the sentiments of hope in two ways: Firstly, Mary is invoked as a mother. Generally, the word ‘mother’ brings to mind the idea of continuous concern, undying love, tender care. Secondly, she is not just a mother with all these attributes but a mother whose concern is ever perpetual. Perpetual, in a sense, can be synonymous to eternal, thus, her tender

care does not end in this life but follows us for all eternity even in purgatory.

            It is, also, the case that this glorious title of the Virgin-Mother of God is not just a mere empty title, like titles among men which does not reflect who they are. Mary has, throughout the course of history, proven that she is worthy of the title of perpetual help.

            According to tradition, the Icon of our Lady of Perpetual help was stolen from a Church in the Crete into Rome, where it has performed many glorious miracles. It, then remained with a family until Our lady appeared to a little girl of the family asking that her image be taken to the Church of St. Matthew, the Apostle located between the Basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. The Icon remained in the Church for three centuries until war broke out in Rome in 1798, the Icon then was moved to the Church of St. Mary in Posterula, near the "Umberto I" bridge that crosses the Tiber River in Rome.

            The Redemptorists later, purchased the site where the former Church of St. Matthew was located before the war, in other to build a Church in honour of their founder, St Alphonsus Ligouri. When they learnt of our Lady’s message to the little girl, they endeavoured to return the image to its original site. Pope Pius IX granted permission for it to be moved back to the site and gave the Redemptorists charge to spread the devotion to the whole world.

            Today devotion to our Lady, Mother of Perpetual help is one of the most popular devotion to our Lady and our Lady has through the Miracles that accompanied the devotion, proven that she is worthy of the name. Just as the name implies, she always come to the aid of those who invoke her perpetual help.

            The Image shows our Lady looking with compassion towards us clothed with a royal robe while carrying her son. Jesus is depicted as a young boy with a royal robe. The star on Mary’s head shows us that she is the dawn announcing Christ. She holds her son closely while pointing at him, to direct our gaze to our source of Salvation. There is also, Archangel Gabriel, holding a Cross and four nails and Archangel Michael, holding a lance, a pole with a sponge, and a vinegar, the instruments of crucifixion. The child Jesus seems to be frightened by the instruments of crucifixion that he rushes to his mother (the falling sandals depicts the rush), holding fast to her with confidence.

Let us learn from our Lord today, to run with confidence to our heavenly Mother who is perpetually ready to help us.

O Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favoured by God. you became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but Mother of the redeemed as well. We come to you today as your loving children. Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and God's mercy is from age to age on those who love God. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help.