Our Lady of Perpetual Help: The Icon, The Prayer, The Promise

In a world full of distractions, stress, and endless noise, sometimes all we need is a mother.

A mother who sees us. Who understands our hearts before we can even speak. Who reaches out with a hand that says, “I’ve got you, and I won’t let go.”

Enter: Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

This beloved icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus isn’t just a piece of sacred art—it’s a spiritual lifeline. For centuries, Catholics have turned to this image and this title, asking Mary to step in with her motherly care and bring us closer to her Son.

Let’s dive into the story behind this powerful devotion—and end with the beautiful novena prayer that so many have prayed in times of fear, illness, transition, or deep need.

A Picture Worth a Thousand Prayers

The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a Byzantine masterpiece rich in meaning and mystery. Painted centuries ago (its origins trace back to the 13th century), it was eventually brought to Rome and enshrined in the Church of San Matteo.

But the real turning point came in 1866, when Pope Pius IX entrusted the icon to the Redemptorist Fathers, instructing them:

“Make her known throughout the world.”

And so they did. The devotion spread like holy wildfire—and today, the icon is venerated in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Rome, drawing pilgrims from all over the globe.

What the Icon Tells Us

Take a look at the icon and you’ll see:

• Mary’s gaze is not on Jesus—but on us. It’s as if she’s saying, “I see you. I’m here for you.”

• Jesus clings to His Mother, His little hands gripping her tightly, one sandal falling off in the rush. Even He, the Son of God, runs to His Mother in fear.

  • The Archangels Michael and Gabriel stand beside them, holding the instruments of the Passion—Cross, nails, spear, and sponge. Even as a child, Jesus knew the road ahead. So did Mary.

It’s a moment frozen in time, filled with depth: divine mission, maternal love, and the constant presence of Heaven even in suffering.

Why It Still Matters

Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help isn’t just about history or iconography. It’s about real people—like you—finding hope in her intercession.

She’s been called upon in times of war, illness, poverty, and personal loss.

She’s been prayed to in hospital rooms, quiet chapels, and busy kitchens.

And always, she hears. She helps. She holds.

If you’ve ever felt lost, broken, or afraid, this is your reminder:

You are not alone. Your Mother is here. And she never stops helping.

🙏 The Novena Prayer

Here’s the Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help—a powerful way to entrust your heart, your home, and your needs to Mary.

Behold, O Mother of Perpetual Help, at thy feet a wretched sinner, who has recourse to thee and trusts in thee. O Mother of mercy, have pity on me; I hear all men call thee the refuge and hope of sinners: be therefore my refuge and my hope. Help me for the love of Jesus Christ: hold out thy hand to a fallen wretch, who commends himself to thee and dedicates himself to be thy servant forever. I praise and thank God, who of His great mercy hath given me this confidence in thee, a sure pledge of my eternal salvation. Alas, it is only too true that in the past I have fallen miserably, because I did not come to thee. I know that with thy help I shall conquer; I know that thou wilt help me, if I commend myself to thee; but I am fearful lest in the occasions of sin I shall forget to call upon thee and so I shall be lost. This grace, then, do I ask of thee; for this I implore thee, as much as I can and know how to do; namely, that in the assaults of hell I may ever run to thy protection and may say to thee: Mary, help me; Mother of Perpetual Help, permit me not to lose my God. Hail Mary × 3 O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant me ever to be able to call upon thy powerful name, since thy name is the help of the living and the salvation of the dying. Ah, Mary most pure, Mary most sweet, grant that thy name from this day forth may be to me the very breath of life. Dear Lady, delay not to come to my assistance whenever I call upon thee; for in all the temptations that assail me, in all the necessities that befall me, I will never leave off calling upon thee, ever repeating: Mary, Mary. What comfort, what sweetness, what confidence, what tenderness fills my soul at the sound of thy name, at the very thought of thee! I give thanks to our Lord, who for my sake hath given thee a name so sweet, so lovable, so mighty. But I am not content merely to speak thy name; I would utter it for very love of thee; it is my desire that love should ever remind me to name thee, Mother of Perpetual Help. Hail Mary × 3 O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of every grace that God grants us in our misery; it is for this cause that He hath made thee so powerful, so rich, so kind, that thou mightest assist us in our miseries. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners, if they but come unto thee; come once more to my assistance, for I commend myself to thee. In thy hands I place my eternal salvation; to thee I entrust my soul. Enroll me among thy most faithful servants; take me under thy protection and it is enough for me: yes, for if thou protect me, I shall fear nothing; not my sins, for thou wilt obtain for me their pardon and remission; not the evil spirits, for thou art mightier than all the powers of hell; not even Jesus, my Judge, for He is appeased by a single prayer from thee. I fear only that through my own negligence I may forget to recommend myself to thee and so I shall be lost. My dear Lady, obtain for me the forgiveness of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance and the grace to have recourse to thee at all times, O Mother of Perpetual Help. Hail Mary × 3

Final Thoughts

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is more than just a title—it’s a promise.

That when life overwhelms you, Mary is there.

When your strength fails, Mary is strong.

When you're unsure of where to turn, Mary points to Jesus.

So whether you’re clinging on by a thread or simply looking to deepen your Marian devotion, take some time today to pray. Light a candle. Gaze at the icon. Whisper her name.

And let her help you—perpetually.

Join us on the Tabella App to pray the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena and connect with others walking the same path of faith.

“Mary, help me. Mother of Perpetual Help, permit me not to lose my God