About Devotion:
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a Byzantine icon that is believed to come from sometime during the 13th -15th century. The Archangels Michael and Gabriel, are seen hold the instruments of Christ’s Passion. St. Michael (left) holds the spear, sponge, and the crown of thorns, and St. Gabriel (right) holds the cross and the nails. The icon also shows us Christ's victory over sin and death, symbolized by the gold background representing the glory of the resurrection. The star painted on Mary’s veil, centered on her forehead, highlights her role in the plan of salvation as both the Mother of God and our Mother.
Pray with Me: Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us most holy Mother of God, that we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
Mary can help us,
Mary will help us,
Mary wants to help us,
Mary must help us.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
