While on retreat at the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Wisconsin, I had the opportunity, or shall I say the necessity, to pray to our Blessed Mother for something that was going on in my life. It just so happened that on the center grounds, there was a shrine dedicated to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Realizing that I could use all the help that I could get, I ventured inside.
As I entered the building, a series of windows were in front of me with views of the nearby lake. But that is not what caught my attention. It was a picture that was hanging, directly in the center of the back wall. It was an image or icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, one of the most widely known icons in the world. I learned while at the center, that this sacred icon has special importance for the Redemptorists, who were asked by Pope Pius IX to “make her known throughout the world.”
Here is the photo of the icon.
Through some additional research from the Redemptorists, I learned that each element of the icon has a specific meaning:
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- Mary’s eyes, filled with compassion and love, are directed toward us.
- Our Lady is clothed in the colors of virgins (red) and of mothers (blue). These are also royal colors.
- Jesus, depicted as a young boy, wears the colors of a king.
- The star on Mary’s veil reminds us that she is the dawn announcing the coming of Christ.
- Our Lady’s hands hold her Son securely, and her right hand directs our gaze to Him.
- The Christ Child grasps his mother’s hand as though he is frightened by what he sees.
- In His hurry to reach his mother, Jesus has almost lost one of his sandals. He became human, like us, in all things but sin.
- On Our Lady’s left and right we see the reasons for the child’s fear. On the right is the Archangel Gabriel, holding a cross and four nails. On the left is the Archangel Michael, holding a lance, a pole with a sponge, and a vessel of vinegar. This vision of the instruments of the crucifixion has driven the young Jesus to his mother’s protective embrace.
- Yet Our Lady’s gaze is fixed on us, her children on earth. She is our source of constant comfort and hope.
Religious art is often seen as an extension of God’s presence in creation. Icons are meant to help us connect directly with God. As I soulfully prayed in front of this image, making intense eye-contact with our Lady, I began to weep as I poured out my heart and soul both in words and in silence. Not only did I connect with directly with God, but I also directly connected with His Mother – and our Mother. I felt a connection like I’ve never encountered before – a protective closeness as if I was completely embraced by a spiritual shield. It was a powerful and loving embrace that I will always remember, and I get chills just thinking about it as I write.
May all of us remember to pray to our Mother as she protects us and intercedes for us to her Son.
Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Mother of Perpetual Help, your very name inspires confidence. We come before your holy picture in praise and thanksgiving to God, seeking your intercession with Jesus, your son, for all the needs of our lives today. We celebrate your holy motherhood as we proclaim Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer.
You answered when called to be mother of our Lord. Obtain for us the grace to be alive to our baptismal call and especially to embrace the Gospel of life and to respect all life on earth.
You wondered as your Son grew in wisdom, knowledge, and grace. Intercede for us so that we may welcome the Word of God in our lives and be bearers of the good news to everyone.
You delighted as your Son healed the sick. Intercede for our sick that they may receive good health and that they in their turn may be healers to others.
You enjoyed peace as your Son comforted the afflicted. Intercede for all who suffer so that they may know that we carry their burdens with them and in this way we keep the law of Christ.
You rejoiced as your Son forgave sins. Obtain for us the forgiveness of our sins and lead us to unbind others and set them free.
You suffered at the wounds your Son endured for our salvation. Help us to bind up the broken-hearted and to give hope to the downtrodden.
You exulted in your Son’s resurrection. Obtain for us the grace to persevere in His way all the days of our life and be granted a place in heaven.
You are the first of all the disciples and saints. We trust in your motherly love and care.
Obtain for us all the graces we need to fulfill God’s plan each day in our lives. Amen.
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