Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Icon and History

Our Mother of Perpetual Help,

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The Meaning Behind the Icon

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Icon and History

The Meaning Behind the Icon

http://www.baclaranovena.org/About_the%20Shrine/meaning_perpetual_help_icon.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Perpetual_Help

http://www.monkrock.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=672

- Mary’s Face:

In the picture of Our Mother of Perpetual Help our Lady is calm and majestic. Her almond-shaped eyes are set beneath those thin dark eyebrows, her narrow nose, and her pursed lips present herface with beauty and solemnity. Yet her eyes, slightly closed, express ineffable sorrow and sympathy because she sees the suffering her Son will endure, and the suffering of all people in the world.

Her eyes gaze out from the picture toward us, full of pleading. They profoundly penetrate the hearts of everyone who looks at her. She does not look at her Son, but with a sad tenderness seems to be in dialogue with us, her adopted children. It is as if she is expressing compassion for us in our fears and our sorrows.

Mary’s eyes are large in this icon. That is because they see all our needs and invite us to bring them to her. The artist could not have done a better job to express our Lady’s interest in our lives and our spiritual growth. Pause for a few moments and gaze at this beautiful picture of Mary. Let he eyes read what is in the depth of your heart.

The Colors in Mary’s Clothes:

Mary’s tunic is red, the color worn by virgins at that time in history. Her mantle is dark blue, the color worn by mothers in Palestine. These colors were chosen by the artist because Mary is both virgin and mother. In the Byzantine world dark red was reserved for the empress alone. That indicates the Queenship of Mary. Reddish purple was considered the noblest color in the ancient world (see Daniel 5:7).

The color blue brings to mind the sky and heaven. Red is for martyrdom, because all sacrifice requires some type of dying to oneself. The entire background of the icon is golden, also symbolic of heaven where Jesus and Mary are now enthroned. That gold radiates through their clothing, showing the heavenly joy they can bring to hearts.

Saint Gertrude related that one day in a vision she saw under Mary’s blue mantle a poor a band of souls whom the beautiful Lady was sheltering with great affection. The saint realized that these were people who had prepared themselves with various devotions for one of Mary’s feasts. Imagine Our Lady wrapping her mantle around you, as if protecting you from the cold or hiding you from some kind of harm. As you gaze at her picture today, feel the warmth that comes from being so near to her. Just sit for a few moments and be happy wrapped inside her cloak.

– The Star on Mary’s Veil:

In the center of the veil on Mary’s head is a star of eight golden, linear rays; next to it is a cross also in the form of a star. The gold of the painting and the figure of the Virgin seem to form the background from which the head of the child emerges. It is as if Mary is the dawn or the start that shows Christ to us. With true motherly love she helps us and guides us.

Mary is the star of the sea, who brought the light of Christ into the darkness of this world. As the brightest star in the whole universe, ourheavenly Queen constantly pleads our cause before God. She is our advocate because she intercedes for us with her powerful prayers. Like the star that led the Magi to Bethlehem, Mary is the star that leads us safely home to heaven.

Imagine the world in darkness, like at the North Pole where in winter it is dark all the time. The sky is filled with billions of stars, yet one is brightest – and its glimmering beauty captures our attention. Mary is the brightest star among all the stains. She lights the way for us to her Son. Closing your eyes, imagine her as that brightest of all stars in your life. It is customary to “make a wish upon a star,” so quietly pray to her. Ask her to bring your needs to her Son.

Mary’s Hands:

The largest figure in the icon is Mary, but she is not the focal point of the painting. Rather, the center of our focus is where the hands of Mother and Son are joined. Her open right hand holds the hands of Jesus, and each of her fingers point toward Him. Mary seems to be pointing out to us that her Son is Jesus Christ, the Son of God who offers His life for us all.

The Child, frightened at seeing the instruments of His passion, has thrown Himself into His mother’s arms. He clings tightly to Mary’s hand, which she has reached out to comfort Him. Mary holds Him in her arms reassuringly, lovingly. Her left hand supports Christ firmly, speaking to us of the security we can find in devotion to the Mother of God. Mary leads us to Jesus, and Jesus can be found close to her.

As a child, to whom did you run when threatened or afraid? Your mother, of course, or your grandma or some other mother-like figure in your life. Mary is spiritual mother to all of us, and we can always depend on her whenever we feel afraid or in need. Consider for a moment what is the greatest need or fear you have right now. Place it in Mary’s hands, and hold on to her tightly. Believe with all your heart that she will ask her Son to provide for your care in this great need. Pause for a moment and see yourself clasping Mary’s hands.

Jesus’ Hands:

The angelic apparitions were prophetic of His future passion. Frightened, the small child ran to His mother for protection. Our lady hastily picked Him up and clasped Him to her bosom.

Jesus’ hands clutch the right hand of Mary. This shows the trust we can place in our prayers to her. Christ’s hands, pressed into Mary’s also remind us that, just as he placed Himself entirely in her hands for protection, so now he places us in Mary’s tender, loving care.

Do you ever feel all alone with no one to help you? Take a moment to get in touch with your feelings at those times. Like Jesus, imagine yourself reaching out for Mary’s hands and holding her tightly for protection.

The Child Jesus:

Young Jesus is seated on Mary’s left arm. His face expresses great serenity. Within His halo radiates a cross. We see its crossbeams and headpeace outlined in red. The child appears like a victim to be offered, much the same as at the Presentation in the Temple (see Luke 2:22-40). His mother’s presence reminds us that, Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, not collapsed in pain, but strong and valiant (see John 18:25).

Mary is like Jesus in many ways. She shares Christ’s sorrow – which is also our sorrow and pain – and she makes it her own, transforming it through prayer. Because she is the Mother of Mercy, she is happy to comfort and help us. In fact, she is more anxious to help us than we are to receive her aid.

The child dearly holds His mother in this painting. He leans toward her, seeking to console her as well as to be consoled by her. Jesus callsall Christians to “take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24b) What are the crosses in your life…those things you find most difficult to endure? Like Jesus, bring your crosses to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Unload them on her. In your heart “follow” Jesus directly to his mother.

Jesus’ Sandals:

Frightened by the vision of the two angels showing the instruments of His future Passion, the Christ Child has run to His mother. His right foot is nervously curled about His left ankle. Wishing to depict Jesus’ anguish, the artist has painted the right sandal falling off His foot because he had run so fast. It allows us to see the sole of His foot – sign that, although God, he is also human. It is also a sign that anyone who contemplates Christ’s passion will receive redemption and “set food” in His eternal inheritance.

In the last moments of His life, Jesus designated Mary to be the Mother of all believers: “Here is your Mother” (John 18:27). Mary adopts us in order to bring us to Jesus. Mary calls all children who need a mother. She wants us to run to her, the most loving Mother there is. We allknow how much a mother loves her children. Imagine the depth of Mary’s love for her spiritual children! Mary is a fortress that can shieldall those who run to her for protection.

Offer to Mary all your fears and struggles right now. Look at the picture of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and in it know that “here is your mother.” In your own words tell her that, as her child, you love her.

The Archangel Gabriel:

In the upper corners of the icon are two archangels. The one on our right is the Archangel Gabriel, dressed in purple. He is holding a cross with three horizontal crossbeams and four nails at its foot. This vision of the Passion is what appears to have frightened the Child. Gabriel had once brought news of great joy to the Virgin at the Annunciation. Now, he presents the symbols of the Passion, and Jesus becomes afraid at the sight.

Yet, Gabriel seems to be adoring the child and offering Him symbols from His Passion. Thus, those instruments do not really prophecy some terrible future event, but rather are glorious symbols of His resurrection: the cross of glory. All parts of the icon accentuate the reality of suffering. But at the same time there is an emphasis on the triumph of Jesus, depicted in part by the golden background. More than threats of destruction, the cross and nails are trophies of His victory, as if they were taken from Calvary on Easter morning.

Consider how your struggles and torments might become instruments for growth in strength and virtue for you. Talk to the Archangel Gabriel. Ask him for help to see the positive aspects of whatever appears horrible or frightening in your life.

The Archangel Michael:

The Archangel on the left is Saint Michael. He has a red tunic with a blue mantle. Michael presents the other instruments of the Passion: the lance, the pole with a sponge, and a vessel of vinegar.

Saint Bonaventure claimed that, to defend her clients when they are dying, Mary sends Saint Michael the Archangel to receive the souls ofall who have constantly recommended themselves to her.

What is that causes you the greatest fear of death? As a devotee of Mary, you can trust that Saint Michael will defend you against the forces of evil. Imagine him in his armor, leading you to Christ and his mother – not only at the time of your death, but even now as you pray and meditate. Take comfort in that image.