The Meaning Behind the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Frightened by the vision of two angels showing Him the instruments of the Passion, the child Jesus has run to His Mother, almost losing, in His haste, one of His sandals. Mary holds Him in Her arms reassuringly and lovingly. Notice Her eyes. They look not at Jesus, but at us. Is this not a touch of genius? How better to express Our Lady's plea to us to avoid sin and love Her Son? Jesus' little hands are pressed into Mary's as a reminder to us that, just as on earth, He placed Himself entirely in Her hands for protection, so now in Heaven He has given into Her hands all graces, to distribute to those who ask Her. This is the principal message of the icon.

A Byzantine icon, however, is replete with other symbols. Point to items on the icon and click for an explanation. The Star on Our Lady's veil: She is the Star of the Sea . . . who brought the light of Jesus the Christ to the darkened world . . . the star that leads us to the safe port of Heaven.     Greek Initials for “Mother of God.”     Golden Crown, placed on the original picture by order of the Holy See in 1867. It is a token of the many miracles wrought by Our Lady invoked under the title of “Perpetual Help.”     Greek Initial for “St. Michael the Archangel.” He is depicted holding the lance and gall-sop of Jesus’ Passion.     St. Michael the Archangel.     Greek Initial for “St. Gabriel the Archangel.” He holds the cross and the nails.   St. Gabriel the Archangel.     Mary’s Eyes are larger for all our troubles. They are turned toward us always.     Mary’s Mouth is small for silent recollection. She speaks little.     Red Tunic, the color worn by virgins in Palestine, at the time of Jesus.     Dark Blue Mantle, the color worn by mothers in Palestine, at the time of Jesus. Mary is both Virgin and Mother.     Greek Initials for “Jesus the Christ.”     Jesus’ Hands, turned palms down into His Mother’s indicate that Graces of Redemption are in Her keeping.     Mary’s Left Hand, supporting Jesus possessively:  She is His Mother.  It is a comforting hand for everyone who calls on Her.     Falling Sandal - Perhaps, the symbol of a soul clinging to Jesus by one last thread —devotion to Mary.   The Entire Background is gold, symbolic of Heaven, where Jesus and Mary are now enthroned. The gold also shines through their clothing, showing the heavenly joy They can bring to tired human hearts.