Lady of Perpetual Help

Posted under Visions of Mary by Linda F. Torres

 

As Mother of Perpetual Help she helps and sends us everlasting blessings, and is as a loving mother to all children.  Greek Icon 13^th or 14^th century, Archangel Michael and Archangel Gabriel at her side.

The story of this Icon is one of the most unusual and involved stories of the many Marian shrines and miraculous images throughout the world.  The painting originally came from the island of Crete where it had been venerated for a number of years.  The earliest written account is from an old document-plaque written in Latin and Italian which was placed before the Icon in the church of St. Matthew where it was first venerated in Rome in March of 1499.

Some two years before that a merchant in Crete, who was returning to Rome took the picture just before sailing and hid it among his belongings.  Some think he might have taken it to save it from possible profanation or destruction from marauding Turks, but the document says that he simply stole it.  While at sea, a life-threatening storm arose and everyone on board thought their end was near.  The sailors, not knowing of the presence of the concealed icon on board, prayed loudly to Our Lady for help.  Against all odds, the vessel safely reached Italy.  It would appear, as subsequent events showed, that Our Lady definitely wanted this Icon in Rome.

Angel Blessings,

Linda.