Mother of Perpetual Help
The Picture's Meaning
Look at the copy of the picture. Frightened by the vision of two angels showing him the instruments of the Passion, the Christ Child has run to his Mother, almost losing, in his haste, one of the tiny sandals. Mary holds him in her arms reassuringly, lovingly. But notice her eyes. They look not at Jesus but at us. Is this not a touch of genius? How better to express Our Lady's interest in our lives and our spiritual growth?
Christ's little hands, too, are pressed into Mary's as a reminder to us that just as on earth he placed himself entirely in her hands for protection, so now in heaven he places each of us in her tender, loving care.
This is the principal message of the picture. A Byzantine icon, however, it is replete with other symbols.
Millions of copies of the picture can be seen around the world in churches and homes. Each week hundreds of thousands of people gather to pray the novena prayers to Our Mother of Perpetual Help while in their homes each day millions of people invoke the assistance of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favoured by God. You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but the Mother of the redeemed as well. I come to you today as your loving child. Watch over me and take care of me. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take me in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help me. For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and God's mercy is from age to age on those who love God. Intercede for me, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help.