OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

     Refuge is the offering made to us by Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  This icon, paineted by a thirteenth-century Greek artist, is one of the most beloved images of Mary and her Son. In it, the child Jesus has just run to his mother in such a fright that one of his sandals is dangling off his feet.  Mary calmly shields him, confident in her power to protect him. On either side of them are the objects of the Child’s fear.  The archangels Gabriel and Michael have revealed to him the cross, the spear and the sponge, foreshadowing his future torment and execution.  Since the birth of her Son, Mary knew he was destined to suffer and die for mankind, yet she firmly believed in his redemption.  Therefore, she was able to calm the child Jesus in this moment of anxiety.  Ig God himself can reach out to Mary for refuge, then anyone is able to approach her, no matter what we fear, our future or past actions.  Regardless of how we may judge ourselves, she has total belief and faith in us.

     It is said that Our Lady of Perpetual Help never, ever refuses a request, no matter how small or frivilous it may seem.  Many who have felt unworthy to call on her in their direst need report hearing a calm voice saying, “Why don’ you just ask?” 

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

See at your feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help, a poor sinner who has recourse to you and confides in you.

O Mother of Mercy have pity on me! You are called the refuge and the hope of sinners; be my refuge and my hope. Help me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth your hand to a poor, fallen creature. I recommend myself to you, and I want to devote myself to your service forever.  I bless and thank almighty God, who in his mercy has given me this confidence in you, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation.

(mention your request)

Mary, help me.  Mother of Perpetual Help, never allow me to lose my God.

(Recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times each).

Say this novena nine times in a row for nine days in a row.

Feast Day: June 27

Pray to Our Lady of Perpetual Help for absolutely anything.

Above two novenas excerpted from “Novena: The Power of Prayer” by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua