The Icon: Its Miraculous Power
July-August 2014
The Miraculous Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is the official title of this famous image of Mary. An icon is called miraculous when, through the prayers, devotion, and the sincere faith of those who come to the person represented in the icon, miracles occur. Not because of the composition of the icon’s image. Oral tradition testifies that the people of God named the image “Perpetual Help” because Mary, the Mother of the Savior, became a source of assistance in the many needs of the people who faithfully poured out their daily problems and anxieties.
When this icon of Mary came to Rome from Crete and was placed in St. Matthew’s Church for public veneration, recorded statements gave witness to the miracle-working energy surrounding it.
Redemptorist shrines throughout the world keep weekly records of the petitions and thanksgivings offered to Mary under this title of Perpetual Help. The countless prayers for help and healing, for finding employment and housing, and for the safe return of our men and women in the armed forces have hailed this icon as one of extraordinary miraculous presence. In the rule of life of the Redemptorists, there is a phrase that reads: “Let them take the Blessed Virgin Mary as their model and helper. Indeed she still serves, as the perpetual help of God’s people in Christ.”