Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Iconography and Theology of the Icon
Our Lady of Perpetual Help: the iconography, history, and theology of the most universal icon of Western Mariology.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Introduction
The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one of the best-known and most beloved Marian images in the world. The iconography of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is extremely rich in symbolism and has its origin in the Byzantine tradition, although it was spread above all by the Redemptorist Fathers in the nineteenth century.
I. Origin of the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is of Cretan origin (14th–15th century) and belongs to the Byzantine iconographic type Strastnaya (“of the Passion”). It was brought to Rome in the 15th century, was lost during the Napoleonic invasion, and reappeared in the 19th century, when Pius IX entrusted it to the Redemptorist Fathers, who spread it throughout the world.
II. Iconography of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The iconography of Our Lady of Perpetual Help depicts Mary holding the Child Jesus, with two archangels (Michael and Gabriel) presenting instruments of the Passion. Mary’s gaze is fixed on the viewer; that of Jesus is turned toward the archangels. This iconography of Our Lady of Perpetual Help condenses the Annunciation, the Incarnation, and the Passion into a single theological picture.
III. Symbolism in the Iconography of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Every element in the iconography of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has a meaning: the stars on the mantle represent virginity; the crown, Marian queenship; the archangels signify the anticipation of the paschal mystery; the Child’s loose sandal symbolizes the sudden fright of the incarnate Word in the face of suffering. The whole theology of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is contained in this iconography.
IV. Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help spread throughout the world through the Redemptorist missionaries. Today, reproductions of the icon can be found in thousands of parishes, chapels, and homes. The Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one of the most popular Marian devotions in the whole Catholic Church.
V. Theological Meaning of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a title that expresses Mary’s continuous spiritual motherhood. “Perpetual help” signifies the maternal assistance that Mary never ceases to give to the Church and to each of the faithful. Explore this more deeply in Redemptoris Mater.
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