O Blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on thee, for, in all my needs, in all my temptations, I shall never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.
Today in the old liturgical calendar and for Marian religious orders, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, otherwise known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succor. Even if you didn’t know the name, chances are you’ve seen the famous icon representing this title of Our Lady, as it is replicated and displayed in many Catholic churches to this day.
The Byzantine icon, which dates to before 1499, is enshrined at the Church of San Alphonso in Rome, and has been under the care of the Redemptorists since 1865. As the Redemptorists say, “We approach the icon in a spirit of faith and humility. Only those of faith can uncover the hidden messages contained in the image before us.”
And, so, gazing upon the image is itself a form of prayer, perhaps one we can and ought to rediscover in this age of over-stimulation by glowing hand-held, laptop or flat-screen portal of unreality. As much mention as has been given of late to cultivating auditory silence for the sake of our prayer life, I wonder how much we might all benefit from visual silence, namely, disconnecting from our phones, ipads and laptops in order to rest our eyes… to retrain our eyes to see like Mary and through Mary. After all, isn’t the ultimate end of our visual capacity to gaze upon the face of God?
Many miracles have been attributed to the image throughout the centuries, and even today, many churches offer weekly devotional prayers in the form of a perpetual novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Do you have a devotion to Our Lady under this title? Maybe it’s time to start one!
You can visit her icon in your church after receiving Holy Communion and the conclusion of the Mass. You can also enshrine her in your own home by obtaining a copy of the icon. Don’t forget to have it blessed by a priest! I just love the idea I came across somewhere, describing “Marian space” – the set-aside space around and in front of a place in your home where you display this icon. Why not carve out a sacred space for Mary, where she can, having been given room, watch over you and your family and reclaim for her Son a greater earthly territory. (Exceprts: W. Corrigan / Catholic Link)
The Redemptorists Missionaries of Baclaran Church, in Manila offer this lovely Novena and Litany to Our Mother, here. We recommend this as a beautiful way to learn to “read” the icon and to draw closer in devotion to Our Lady. And, below, here is a short and well-known version of a prayer to Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help. Never hesitate or neglect to call on her, as she asked and as Our Lord deigned to order things for our benefit!
Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Dear Mother of Perpetual Help * from the cross * Jesus gave you to us for our Mother. * You are the kindest,* the most loving of all mothers. * Look tenderly on us your children * as we now ask you to help us in all our needs * especially this one
(Pause to recall your petitions)
While you were on earth, dear Mother * you willingly shared in the sufferings of your Son.* Strengthened by your faith and confidence * in the fatherly love of God * *you accepted the mysterious designs of His Will.*
We, too, have our crosses and trials.* Sometimes they almost crush us to the ground.* Dearest Mother, * share with us your abundant faith and confidence in God.* Make us aware that God never ceases to love us; * that He answers all our prayers * in the way that is best for us. * Strengthen our hearts to carry the cross * in the footsteps of your Divine Son. Help us to realize * that he who shares the cross of Christ * will certainly share His resurrection.
Dearest Mother,* as we worry about our own problems * let us not forget the needs of others.* You always love others so much; * help us to do the same. While praying for our own intentions * and for the intentions of all here present at this Novena * we earnestly ask you, our Mother * to help us comfort the sick and the dying * give hope to the poor and unemployed * heal the broken-hearted * walk in solidarity with the oppressed * teach justice to their oppressors* and bring back to God all those who have offended Him.
Dearest Mother, * help us to avoid sin * which separates us * from our heavenly Father * and from one another. * Full of trust in you * we place ourselves under the mantle of your maternal protection * and confidently hope * for your compassionate intercession. * Amen.
Hail Mary… (3 Times)
Jerson Rey Guiwa
Senior Writer, Creative Team - Media Ministry
A Theatre, TV, Corporate AVP and Film practitioner (based on priority), Jers started his professsional career even before he graduated college. If school is the second home for many, the church is for Jers. He is a strong advócate of religión and art. He believes that both can work hand in hand for the glory of God. He had previously written articles for the now defunct, Mamamalakaya which he bécame the Feature Editor for a year. He is a lover of nature, the idea of love and life, and the world and peace. He is very honored to be part of the energetic and voracious pool of writers contributing for the website par exellence that is aranzazushrine.ph.
