“Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us!”
Feast Day: January 8
Patroness of: The city of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana
Title: Notre-Dame de Prompt Secours – Our Lady of Quick Help
Origins of the Devotion
The devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor arose in the early 19th century through the faith and trials of Mother Saint Michel Gensoul, a French Ursuline nun. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, many religious communities in France were suppressed. Mother Saint Michel, desiring to join the Ursulines in New Orleans, sought a dispensation from her vow of stability in France. However, ecclesiastical permissions were delayed, and she turned in fervent prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, promising to promote devotion under the title of “Our Lady of Prompt Succor” if her petition were quickly granted.
In 1809, she wrote to Pope Pius VII, then a prisoner of Napoleon. Miraculously, despite the Pope’s captivity and the difficulties of communication, she received his swift and favorable reply—an unexpected and rapid response. True to her vow, she commissioned a statue of the Blessed Virgin under the title of Prompt Succor and carried it with her to New Orleans in 1810.
The Statue
The original statue, still venerated today in New Orleans, depicts the Blessed Virgin holding the Infant Jesus in her left arm, while her right hand is extended in blessing. The Child holds a globe, signifying His kingship over the world. The Virgin’s golden robes and crown point to her majesty, and her slightly forward-leaning posture suggests the swiftness of her intercession.
Miraculous Interventions
Two major historical events cemented the public devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor:
1. The Great Fire of 1812
On the night of December 8, 1812, a massive fire broke out in New Orleans, threatening to destroy the Ursuline convent and surrounding areas. The Sisters, led by Mother St. Michel, placed the statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor on a window sill and began to pray aloud:
“Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us or we are lost!”
Suddenly, the wind shifted direction, halting the spread of the flames. The convent was spared. This intervention was immediately recognized as miraculous by the local faithful.
2. The Battle of New Orleans – January 8, 1815
As British forces advanced on New Orleans during the War of 1812, General Andrew Jackson and his small army faced overwhelming odds. The Ursuline Sisters gathered before the statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and prayed throughout the night of January 7th into the morning of January 8th, while Holy Mass was offered at the altar of the convent chapel.
At the very hour of the Mass and the Sisters’ fervent supplications, the tide of battle turned. The vastly outnumbered American forces achieved a stunning victory. General Jackson himself attributed the victory to divine intervention. Since then, January 8 has been kept as the Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in New Orleans, with a solemn Mass of thanksgiving offered annually.
Papal Recognition
Pope Pius IX authorized the celebration of the feast in 1851. Later, Pope Leo XIII crowned the miraculous statue with a golden crown, confirming the Church’s acknowledgment of the deep-rooted devotion.
Spiritual Significance
Our Lady of Prompt Succor is invoked especially in times of urgent need, danger, natural disasters (such as hurricanes), and spiritual trials. Her intercession is sought when swift and decisive help is needed—whether physical, temporal, or spiritual.
Her title reflects a tender and trusting filial love: a Mother who comes without delay to the aid of her children, particularly in the perils that threaten both body and soul.
Prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Our Lady of Prompt Succor,
Hasten to help us in all our necessities, in every sorrow, and especially in all our temptations.
We ask you to obtain for us prompt succor in the grace of a perfect love and the final perseverance,
that we may praise you and bless your Son Jesus, with you, forever and ever. Amen.
Devotional Practices
- Novena: Traditionally prayed from December 30 to January 7, leading to her feast day on January 8.
- Mass of Thanksgiving: Celebrated annually on January 8 at the National Shrine in New Orleans.
- Hurricane Prayers: In times of threatening storms, the faithful of Louisiana pray for her intercession to avert disasters.
Conclusion
The title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor is a shining example of Marian devotion rooted in historical events, ecclesiastical approval, and deep local faith. It is a reminder that the Blessed Virgin Mary, as Mediatrix of all Graces, does not delay when her children call upon her with confidence.
“Make haste, O Mother, for thy children cry out to thee!”