The Origin of the Icon
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
The original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is enshrined in the Basilica of St. Alphonsus in Rome, under the care of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. This sacred image is known as the miraculous icon, the guide of the way, and the ever-helping Lady because countless prayers and petitions have been answered through her intercession. The name "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" has its origin as follows.
Around 14th Century
The original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, enshrined on the central altar of the Redemptorist Basilica in Rome, is a 41 cm × 53 cm wooden panel painting dating back to the 14th century.
The Title
This icon has been venerated for centuries under various names, including Our Lady of Miracles, Our Lady of the Guide of the Way, and Our Lady of giving Perpetual Help. However, its history is unique, as the Virgin Mary herself revealed the title “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” and expressed her desire to be enshrined in the Basilica of St. Matthew.
This icon has been venerated for centuries under various names, including Our Lady of Miracles, Our Lady of the Guide of the Way, and Our Lady of giving Perpetual Help. However, its history is unique, as the Virgin Mary herself revealed the title “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” and expressed her desire to be enshrined in the Basilica of St. Matthew.
Late 15th Century
At the end of the 15th century, a merchant stole the icon from a cathedral in Crete and brought it to Rome. Before dying of illness, he entrusted it to a friend, requesting that it be placed in a great church where many could venerate it. However, the friend neglected this wish and later fell ill and died. Our Lady of the Icon then appeared multiple times to the friend's young daughter, revealing herself as “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” and expressing her desire to be enshrined in the Basilica of St. Matthew.
March 27, 1499
The sacred icon was finally brought to the Basilica of St. Matthew in a grand procession, where it became a beloved object of veneration and a source of prayer for countless pilgrims.
June 1798
When Napoleon conquered Rome, the Basilica of St. Matthew was destroyed. Fortunately, the Augustinian monks who had been guarding the church managed to relocate the Holy Image to a small chapel, where it remained hidden and unknown for many years.
1855
When the Redemptorists built the Basilica of St. Alphonsus, they discovered that it stood on the ruins of the former Basilica of St. Matthew. Determined to recover the sacred icon that had once been enshrined there, they began searching for its whereabouts.
December 11, 1865
After three years of thorough investigation, the General Superior of the Redemptorists presented the complete history of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to Pope Pius IX. In response, the Pope ordered the icon to be enshrined in the Basilica of St. Alphonsus the following January and encouraged the spread of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help throughout the world. Remarkably, the icon was finally placed in the very church where Our Lady of Perpetual Help had expressed her desire to be honored.
At that time, the icon was severely damaged, necessitating restoration. During this process, a magnificent crown was placed upon it.
As the devotion to the icon grew, reports of miraculous assistance attributed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help increased. This led to the widespread veneration of the icon across Europe, the United States, South America, Africa, India, China, and the Philippines. In Korea, the devotion was introduced through the Congregation of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, founded by the 2nd prefect of Pyeongyang, Monsignor John E. Morris, a missionary of the American Maryknoll Society.
At that time, the icon was severely damaged, necessitating restoration. During this process, a magnificent crown was placed upon it.
As the devotion to the icon grew, reports of miraculous assistance attributed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help increased. This led to the widespread veneration of the icon across Europe, the United States, South America, Africa, India, China, and the Philippines. In Korea, the devotion was introduced through the Congregation of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, founded by the 2nd prefect of Pyeongyang, Monsignor John E. Morris, a missionary of the American Maryknoll Society.
1990
In 1990, the Redemptorists temporarily removed the original icon to photograph it. However, upon closer examination, they discovered significant deterioration. Using modern scientific techniques to analyze the painting’s age, they confirmed that the original dated back to the 14th century. Further studies revealed that during the restoration in 1866, the original image had not been painted over, but instead, a copy had been created and painted on the back of the original panel.
Consequently, the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help housed in the Basilica of St. Alphonsus was determined to be the only authentically original. In early 1994, a six-month restoration process began, during which the jewels were removed to reveal the icon’s original appearance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Consequently, the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help housed in the Basilica of St. Alphonsus was determined to be the only authentically original. In early 1994, a six-month restoration process began, during which the jewels were removed to reveal the icon’s original appearance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.