Encouragement

Madonna of Perpetual Grace

by Maria Franco
06/27/21
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The Madonna as Our Lady is popularly known as is seen in different images as per the events in her life and symbolism of her role in the redemptive work of our Saviour.
The most celebrated Feast in honour of Our Lady is under the Title of Mother of Perpetual Succour or Mother of Perpetual Help. There are numerous beautiful Shrines dedicated under this patronage and with an unfailing weekly Novena venerating her and her Son in her arms.
People throng in great numbers and receive countless favours and blessings through her intercession.
When we say, the Son of God, we can only visualize Baby Jesus in Mary's arms.

The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is an icon, painted on wood, and is believed to have originated around the thirteenth century. The icon  depicts our Blessed Mother Mary, under the title “Mother of God,” holding the Child Jesus. The Archangels Michael and Gabriel, hovering in the upper corners, hold the instruments of his Passion. St. Michael at the left side holds the spear, the wine-soaked sponge, and the crown of thorns. St. Gabriel on the right side holds the cross and the nails. The Child Jesus  is portrayed contemplating the vision of His future Passion. The anguish  and apprehension that He feels is shown by the loss of one of His sandals and also in the way that He clings to his Blessed Mother for comfort in forbearance of his passion. The icon also conveys the triumph of Christ over sin and death, symbolized by the golden background, a sign of his glorious resurrection and the manner in which the angels hold the instruments, like trophies.
Mary’s hands is positioned both holding the Child Jesus and presenting Him to us sealing the reality of our Lord’s incarnation, that He is true God and true man. Her tunic is red and blue. Red the colour of virgins and blue, the colour worn by mothers in that time. She is represented as the one who guides us to the Redeemer. She also is our Help and Succour, interceding on our behalf to her Son. The Star painted on Mary’s veil, in the centre of her forehead, highlights her role in the plan of salvation as both the Mother of God and our Mother. Her mouth is small as she was a woman of few words, always pondering and contemplating the will of God in her life and in the life of Jesus.

According to history, a merchant acquired the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from the island of Crete and had it shipped to Rome towards the end of the fifteenth century. During the voyage, a terrible storm arose, threatening the lives of all on board the ship. The passengers and crew prayed to our Blessed Mother, and all were saved.

Mother Mary felt the steep pain of the sword that pierced her heart which was greater than the pain that struck the hearts of those around the Cross; St. John, Mary Magdalene and the faithful women who were with Mary.
Mary always did the will of God and bore her own cross at Calvary seeing her Son in total desolation and unbearable pain. She was taken Body and Soul to Heaven after having accomplished her 'Yes' to God. She still prays for her children from Heaven and is united with our spirit at every moment.

In school, we all required a Monitor for the Class, who would keep the class in order and discipline. The Teacher came and taught us the Important Subject and the Monitor was responsible for maintaining the Class in many more aspects.
Similarly, Mary is the Monitor of the Church. The Teacher is Jesus, our Lord and Master. Mary maintains us all in the proper discipline of the Holy Spirit and the beautiful virtues which she herself possessed.

May we always run to Our Mother and clasp her hand as Jesus did in times of anxiety or dread with the full surety that she will be our safe refuge in the tempestuous sea.
Our cry should always be; "Mary help us, help we pray!"

Maria Franco