Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help​

​​​Since 1866 the Redemptorists have spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the icon and title of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour). This sacred image has special importance for the Redemptorists, who were asked by Pope Pius IX to “make her known throughout the world.”​ (1)

​​Each element of the icon has a specific meaning:

• 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. (1)
  

​​June 27 is Mary’s feast day under the title Our Mother of Perpetual Help. (1)

​​​​Address: Church: 1 Jalan Serindik; Redemptorists Community: 19-21 Jalan la Salle; 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia; Tel: (60) 05 5458220; Email: omphip@gmail.com; FaceBook: https://m.facebook.com/OMPHipoh/

Reference: (1) "The Redemptorists"; (2) "Catholic Company".

​​The painting is a Byzantine icon that is believed to have its origin sometime during the 13th -15th century. The icon is known for being miraculous; over the centuries countless healings and special graces have been attributed to it, so much so that the image has been honored and venerated by many Popes. It is painted on wood and measures about 20" in height (54 x 41.5 centimeters) and depicts the Virgin Mary, under the title “Mother of God,” holding the Child Jesus. (2)