Honors for Mary in May, June
The Icon
In May, the month of Mary, parishes hold special devotions and processions. A special procession inRome with the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help on April 26, 1866, marked the return of that image for public veneration.
During the procession, the miraculous icon of Holy Mary of Perpetual Help proved she still deserved and retained her title after almost seventy years of seclusion and exile. Many striking and several miraculous events were reported.
A four year old boy suffering from a brain ailment and near death was lifted from his bed to the window as the procession passed by, and the lament of his loving mother went forth to the Mother of God: “Either cure my boy or take him to heaven with you.” Within hours he was pronounced out of danger, and a few days later accompanied his mother to offer a votive candle in thanksgiving at the shrine of Perpetual Help.
Miracles are still happening. Redemptorists continue to receive emails and letters of thanksgiving for answered prayers and miracles.
The power of an icon lies in the sacred presence it invites us into as we pray and read the image before us. When we place ourselves before this icon in an attitude of faith, we are invited into a spiritual space of the miraculous.
The feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is June 27. Redemptorists mark this occasion with special prayers and novenas. Join us in special prayer as we honor Our Mother of Perpetual help leading up to this feast.
I believe this will be the occasion for our Lady to act powerfully in the lives of those who call upon her help in the many necessities of their lives. Share your answered prayers and miracles with the Redemptorists at maryprayforus.org. —Br. Daniel Korn, CSsR
