Celebrating Our Mother of Perpetual Help!
-
June 27, 2022June 27th is the Feast Day for Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Her icon was entrusted to the Redemptorist Congregation in 1866 by Pope Pius IX, and it represents the mystery of God's great love for us, which offers eternal redemption.
The Byzantine icon is believed to have originated between the 13th and 15th centuries. It's known for producing countless healings and special graces.
The icon presents the Christ child in the arms the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. The image is painted on wood.
In addition to the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel are present on each side of mother and son. The archangels hold the instruments of the Passion.
St. Michael (left) holds a spear, a wine-soaked sponge and a crown of many thorns. St. Gabriel (right) holds the cross and the nails. They are thus depicted holding the instruments of crucifixion and of foretelling the death of Jesus.
Seized with fear, the Christ child grasps Mary's right hand tightly, seeking protection. Mary’s hands hold the Child Jesus lovingly. Her right hand points toward Jesus, symbolizing the fact that Mary always points the way to Jesus, especially in our times of need.
The golden background of the painting foretells Jesus' victory over death by way of his Resurrection. As a point of interest, the famous crowns placed over the heads of Jesus and Mary are not authentic to the original Icon. The crowns were added in later centuries, and they were removed from the original Icon after it was carefully refurbished.
The Redemptorists of North America wish you a blessed feast day.(Information gathered from www.catholiccompany.com.)
