Our Lady of Perpetual Help
O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O Purest Mary, O Sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on thee, for, in all my needs, in all my temptations I shall never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.
O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion fill my soul when I pronounce thy sacred name, or even only think of thee. I thank God for having given thee, for my good, so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely pronouncing thy name: let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee, Mother of Perpetual Help.
About
The Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a cherished Catholic devotion that seeks the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of “Perpetual Help.” This prayer emphasizes Mary’s unwavering assistance in times of need, highlighting her role as a compassionate and ever-present advocate for the faithful.
🖼️ The Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Central to this devotion is a 15th-century Byzantine icon, currently enshrined in the Church of Saint Alphonsus of Liguori in Rome. The icon portrays the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus, who looks anxiously at the Archangels Michael and Gabriel presenting the instruments of His future Passion. Mary’s gaze meets the viewer’s, inviting trust and conveying her readiness to assist.
📜 Historical Background
The icon was entrusted to the Redemptorist Order by Pope Pius IX in 1866, with the directive to “make her known.” Since then, the Redemptorists have been instrumental in promoting this devotion worldwide. The feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is celebrated on June 27.
🙏 Significance of the Prayer
The prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a heartfelt appeal for Mary’s intercession in all aspects of life, especially during trials and temptations. It reflects a deep trust in her maternal care and her role as a mediator who brings the faithful closer to Christ. By invoking her aid, devotees express their reliance on her perpetual assistance to lead a life aligned with Christian virtues.