Feast: June 27
Title: Mater de Perpetuo Succursu
Patroness of: Albania, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), and those in need of succor or consolation
Historical and Devotional Origins
The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help—also called Our Lady of Perpetual Succour—traces its veneration to the ancient Byzantine tradition, dating back to the 13th or 14th century. The miraculous icon, painted in the Italo-Cretan style, depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus, while He gazes in fear upon the instruments of His Passion, held by the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
The icon communicates both maternal compassion and the foreknowledge of the Passion. Our Lady’s eyes look directly at the viewer—an invitation to trust in her intercession. Christ’s small sandal hangs loosely, signifying His fright and haste to find refuge in His Mother’s arms. Yet the Virgin remains calm, embodying her title: Help of the Afflicted.
According to ancient accounts and oral tradition preserved in the Redemptorist Order, the icon was brought from the island of Crete to Rome in the late 15th century by a pious merchant who, before dying, ordered that the image be placed in a church for public veneration. It was eventually enshrined in San Matteo in Via Merulana.
The image was lost to obscurity for some time after the destruction of San Matteo during the Napoleonic occupation. However, in 1866, Pope Pius IX, who had great personal devotion to Our Lady, entrusted the icon to the Redemptorist Fathers, instructing them:
“Make her known throughout the world.”
The icon was solemnly enshrined at the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori, where it remains to this day.
Spiritual and Theological Significance
Our Lady of Perpetual Help holds a unique place in Catholic devotion, particularly among the faithful who suffer trials, temptations, illnesses, or material poverty. Theologically, this devotion emphasizes:
- Mary’s role as Mediatrix and Advocate: She is a perpetual helper not because she adds to the mediatorship of Christ, but because she cooperates uniquely in His salvific work.
- Her maternal vigilance: The icon expresses the ever-watchful and compassionate gaze of the Mother of God, who never ceases to intercede for her children.
- Contemplation of the Passion: By placing the instruments of the Passion before the Christ Child, the icon invites us to join Our Lady in contemplating the mystery of redemption.
The Redemptorists have since propagated the devotion worldwide, particularly through weekly novenas, which are often accompanied by testimonies of conversions, healings, and graces obtained through Our Lady’s intercession.
Liturgical Observance (Pre-1955 Calendar)
While not universally present on all traditional calendars, the Feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has often been celebrated with a Proper Mass and Office approved for Redemptorist use and in local calendars. The Mass typically emphasizes the Blessed Virgin’s merciful assistance and invokes her aid in times of danger.
Collect (Traditional Redemptorist Missal):
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst will that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, whom Thou didst make Thy Mother, should be venerated by a wondrous title as the perpetual help of Christians: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who are ever mindful of her protection may strive to possess Thy everlasting redemption.
Practical Devotion and Spiritual Exercise
Daily Invocation:
O Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us!