Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Biography

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, is a beloved and venerated title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. Although there is very little historical information available regarding the origin and early history of this devotion, it has gained immense popularity and devotion throughout the centuries. The title "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" refers to an ancient Byzantine icon that depicts the Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus in her arms. This icon is also known as "Our Lady of Perpetual Succour" in some areas. The icon is believed to have originated in the Eastern Christian tradition and was eventually brought to Rome around the 15th century. The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help portrays the Mother of God dressed in royal attire, with a dark blue mantle symbolizing her heavenly queenly status. Mary's tender gaze is directed towards the viewer, inviting them into a deeper relationship with her and her divine Son. The child Jesus is depicted in a gripping posture, seeking solace from his mother as he gazes, seemingly startled, at the sight of the instruments of his future Passion held by angels on either side. Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is characterized by an ardent belief in the Virgin Mary's intercessory power. Countless miracles, healings, and favors have been attributed to her through this devotion. The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has become a significant symbol of hope, comfort, and perpetual assistance to all those who turn to her with their needs and petitions. Feast days dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help are celebrated on June 27th in the Catholic Church. On this day, devotions and special liturgical celebrations are held in her honor. Our Lady of Perpetual Help is recognized as a heavenly advocate and patroness of various locations and dioceses around the world. Some of these include Haiti, Buxar in India, the dioceses of Hallam, Leeds, Middlesbrough, and Yorkton, among others. One notable place of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is Saint Alphonsus Church in Rome, where the original icon is venerated. Pope Pius IX entrusted the icon to the Redemptorist Order in 1866, and they have been custodians of the icon since then. The miraculous image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help continues to inspire countless faithful to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through her motherly care and constant help, she invites all to entrust their joys, sorrows, and needs to her loving embrace, confident in her unwavering intercession before her divine Son, Jesus Christ.