The devotion to the picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour is of very ancient origin. It was first venerated in the island of Crete near Greece from whence it was carried to italy and placed in the Church of St.Mathew in Apostle in Rome between the Basilicas of St. Mary Major and St.John Lateran then in charge of the Augustinian Brothers. The Madonna in the picture, it would appear, had called herself, "Holy Mary of Perpetual Succour", while in Crete it was known as "Our Lady of the Angels". This was in 1499, it seems to have been painted about the year 1455 or even earlier, and it was restored or re-painted in the 19th Century , making it appear as it is at present.
In 1798 the Church of St.Mathew was destroyed and the Picture passed into oblivion till the year 1866 when it came into the hands of the Redemptorists at the express command of Pope Pius IX. Since then the Redemptorist Fathers have been the propagators of the devotion of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour wherever they preach retreats and Missions.
EXPLANATION OF THE PICTURE
The picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour belongs to the group of Passion icons of the 15th century. These paintings are characterized by the symbols of the passion and the austere features of the Madonna and the Child. Around the crowned head of the Madonna are the words "Mother of God". On both sides are the two archangels Michael and Gabriel with their respective names inscribe above their head and holding the instruments of the Passion: St.Michael holding the spear and the sponge and St.Gabriel the Cross. At the sight of the Cross the Child Jesus is stuck by fear his feet strike each other and knock off a struck by fear his feet strike each other and knock off a sandal from this foot and he clings to this mother for support. The features of the Madonna are gave conveying a message of hope and an assurance of help to all those who in identical circumstances will appeal to her for help. These is also a plea in her eyes: do not hurt my Son more by sin and I will help you by his goodness.
In 1798 the Church of St.Mathew was destroyed and the Picture passed into oblivion till the year 1866 when it came into the hands of the Redemptorists at the express command of Pope Pius IX. Since then the Redemptorist Fathers have been the propagators of the devotion of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour wherever they preach retreats and Missions.
EXPLANATION OF THE PICTURE
The picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour belongs to the group of Passion icons of the 15th century. These paintings are characterized by the symbols of the passion and the austere features of the Madonna and the Child. Around the crowned head of the Madonna are the words "Mother of God". On both sides are the two archangels Michael and Gabriel with their respective names inscribe above their head and holding the instruments of the Passion: St.Michael holding the spear and the sponge and St.Gabriel the Cross. At the sight of the Cross the Child Jesus is stuck by fear his feet strike each other and knock off a struck by fear his feet strike each other and knock off a sandal from this foot and he clings to this mother for support. The features of the Madonna are gave conveying a message of hope and an assurance of help to all those who in identical circumstances will appeal to her for help. These is also a plea in her eyes: do not hurt my Son more by sin and I will help you by his goodness.
NOVENA PRAYERS
1.COME HOLY GHOST (Stand)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And in our Souls take up Thy rest,
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
LET US PRAY
O God , who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending them the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit, to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort, through Christ Our Lord, Amen
2. AN ACT OF CONTRITION
( Here, O God is my sacrifice, a broken spirit; a heart that is humbled and contrite, thou O God, will never disdain; ps 50:19)
My God, I believe in Thee • I hope in Thee • I love Thee above all things • with all my soul, • With all my heart • and with all my strength ; • I love Thee because thou are infinitely good • and worthy of being loved; • and because I love Thee,• I repent with all my heart • of having offended Thee; • have mercy on me a sinner. • Amen
3. INVOCATIONS TO OUR LADY
We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God • despise not our petitions in our necessities • but ever deliver us from all dangers • O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Priest : O Mother of Perpetual Succour, Thou whose very name inspires confidence.
People : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may love and serve God with all my heart.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may never neglect prayer.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may quickly rise again should I have the misfortune to fall into sin.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may courageously resist the seductions of the world,
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may often and devoutly receive the Sacraments and fulfil my Christian duties and the duties of my state.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may be patient and resigned in all trials and troubles of life.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : In sickness and pain, in poverty and distress
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may not delay my conversion from day to day
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may ever love and serve thee and invoke thy assistance
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may be able to lead others to love serve and pray to thee
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : When death is near and I am about to pass into eternity.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : To my last hour, to my last breath do thou watch over me.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : Pray for us O Mother of Perpetual Succour
Pe. : That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY
O Almighty and merciful God • who in order to assist the human race • hast willed the Blessed Virgin Mary • to become the Mother of Thy only - begotten Son • grant we beseech Thee • That by her intercession • we may avoid the contagion of sin • and serve Thee with a pure heart • Through the same Christ Our Lord • Amen.
4. NOVENA PRAYERS
O Mother of Perpetual Succour • behold me a miserable sinner at thy feet • I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee • O Mother of Mercy, have pity upon me. • I hear thee called by all • the refuge and the hope of sinners; • be then my refuge and my hope. • succour me for the love of Jesus Christ; • stretch forth thy hand to me, • a poor sinner, • who recommend and dedicate myself to thee • as thy perpetual servant • I bless and thank God for having in His mercy given me this confidence in thee • the pledge , as I believe of my eternal salvation • Alas, too often in past times have I miserably fallen • because I had not recourse to thee • I know that with thy help I shall conquer • I know that thou will help me • if I recommend myself to thee • but I fear lest in the occasion of falling • I should cease to call upon thee • and so should lose my soul. • This then is the grace I seek from thee, • and I beg of thee, as far as I know how and can, • to obtain it for me, • namely, in the assaults of hell,• always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee: • O Mary help me • Mother of Perpetual Succour, • suffer me not to lose my God • Amen.
Priest : Mother of Perpetual Succour
People : Pray for thy Children. Hail Mary...- (Repeat three times)
Holy Mary, • succour the miserable, help the faint hearted • cheer those that weep, • pray for the people,• be the advocate of the clergy, • intercede for all devout women, • Let all feel thine aid, • who implore thy perpetual succour.
Priest : Thou has been made for us O Lady, a Refuge.
People : A helper in need and tribulation.
LET US PRAY
O Lord Jesus Christ, • Who hast given us Thy Mother Mary, • whose wondrous image we venerate, • to be our Mother , • ever ready to succour us, • grant , we beseech Thee, • that we, who earnestly implore her maternal aid, • may deserve to enjoy perpetually the fruit of Thy redemption • Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
This service is often given before or during Solemn Benediction.
1.COME HOLY GHOST (Stand)
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest,
And in our Souls take up Thy rest,
Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
LET US PRAY
O God , who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending them the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit, to have a right judgement in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort, through Christ Our Lord, Amen
2. AN ACT OF CONTRITION
( Here, O God is my sacrifice, a broken spirit; a heart that is humbled and contrite, thou O God, will never disdain; ps 50:19)
My God, I believe in Thee • I hope in Thee • I love Thee above all things • with all my soul, • With all my heart • and with all my strength ; • I love Thee because thou are infinitely good • and worthy of being loved; • and because I love Thee,• I repent with all my heart • of having offended Thee; • have mercy on me a sinner. • Amen
3. INVOCATIONS TO OUR LADY
We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God • despise not our petitions in our necessities • but ever deliver us from all dangers • O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Priest : O Mother of Perpetual Succour, Thou whose very name inspires confidence.
People : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may love and serve God with all my heart.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may never neglect prayer.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may quickly rise again should I have the misfortune to fall into sin.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may courageously resist the seductions of the world,
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may often and devoutly receive the Sacraments and fulfil my Christian duties and the duties of my state.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may be patient and resigned in all trials and troubles of life.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : In sickness and pain, in poverty and distress
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may not delay my conversion from day to day
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may ever love and serve thee and invoke thy assistance
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : That I may be able to lead others to love serve and pray to thee
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : When death is near and I am about to pass into eternity.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : To my last hour, to my last breath do thou watch over me.
Pe. : Help me, O loving Mother.
Pr. : Pray for us O Mother of Perpetual Succour
Pe. : That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY
O Almighty and merciful God • who in order to assist the human race • hast willed the Blessed Virgin Mary • to become the Mother of Thy only - begotten Son • grant we beseech Thee • That by her intercession • we may avoid the contagion of sin • and serve Thee with a pure heart • Through the same Christ Our Lord • Amen.
4. NOVENA PRAYERS
O Mother of Perpetual Succour • behold me a miserable sinner at thy feet • I have recourse to thee and put my trust in thee • O Mother of Mercy, have pity upon me. • I hear thee called by all • the refuge and the hope of sinners; • be then my refuge and my hope. • succour me for the love of Jesus Christ; • stretch forth thy hand to me, • a poor sinner, • who recommend and dedicate myself to thee • as thy perpetual servant • I bless and thank God for having in His mercy given me this confidence in thee • the pledge , as I believe of my eternal salvation • Alas, too often in past times have I miserably fallen • because I had not recourse to thee • I know that with thy help I shall conquer • I know that thou will help me • if I recommend myself to thee • but I fear lest in the occasion of falling • I should cease to call upon thee • and so should lose my soul. • This then is the grace I seek from thee, • and I beg of thee, as far as I know how and can, • to obtain it for me, • namely, in the assaults of hell,• always to have recourse to thee and to say to thee: • O Mary help me • Mother of Perpetual Succour, • suffer me not to lose my God • Amen.
Priest : Mother of Perpetual Succour
People : Pray for thy Children. Hail Mary...- (Repeat three times)
Holy Mary, • succour the miserable, help the faint hearted • cheer those that weep, • pray for the people,• be the advocate of the clergy, • intercede for all devout women, • Let all feel thine aid, • who implore thy perpetual succour.
Priest : Thou has been made for us O Lady, a Refuge.
People : A helper in need and tribulation.
LET US PRAY
O Lord Jesus Christ, • Who hast given us Thy Mother Mary, • whose wondrous image we venerate, • to be our Mother , • ever ready to succour us, • grant , we beseech Thee, • that we, who earnestly implore her maternal aid, • may deserve to enjoy perpetually the fruit of Thy redemption • Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
This service is often given before or during Solemn Benediction.