The Original - The Mothers` Saint

The Redemptorists Denver Province
The Redemptorists
Denver Province
Mission Advancement
Ministry
SUMMER 2010
2016
SuMMeR
Our SPECIAL 150th Jubilee
Our SPECIAL
Issue
on theIssue
Icon of Our
Summer
Mother of Perpetual Help
The
Original
ICOn
MEANING
THEthe
ICON
MeaningBEHIND
Behind
Icon
HomeTO
toTHE
the
Shrine
HOME
SHRINE
Why the Redemptorists?
WHY THE REDEMPTORISTS?
THE
ICONMother
REVIVAL:
Sail With
Mary
Through
Icons
it’s possible
Frontlines
of Faith
& War to discover
aWinning
ChristianWords
experience
of God,
of Faith
contemplation and prayer.
Redemptorist
REFLECTIOn
Redemptorist
REFLECTIOn
LETTER from Our Provincial Superior
Very Rev. Stephen T. Rehrauer, C.Ss.R.
IconIcon
Revival
Celebrate Our Mother! TheThe
Revival
Fr. Fabriciano
Ferrero, C.Ss.R.
Fr. Fabriciano
Ferrero, C.Ss.R.
Until little Until
more little
than more
half athan
century
But for those
to a belong
different
being, taking
into taking
account
spiritualthe spiritual
half a century
Butwho
for belong
those who
to a different
being,
intotheaccount
ago, icons, the
supreme
example
of
the
arculture
from
that
represented
in
such
imexperience
and
tradition
of
the
Church,
ago, icons, the supreme example of the ar- culture from that represented in such im- experience and tradition
of the Church,
tistic and religious
of eastern of ages,
icons ages,
are works
that are
notthat and
totality the
of atotality of a
tistic andexpression
religious expression
eastern
icons ofareartworks
of art
are expressing
not and concisely
expressingthe
concisely
Christianity,Christianity,
were almostwere
completely
un- easy unto understand
or appreciate.
As with mystery
festival.orFor
this reason,
icons
almost completely
easy to understand
or appreciate.
As with or amystery
a festival.
For this
reason, icons
known in western
Today,
however,
all works ofallsymbolic
re- they
will be
understood
when the viewer
knownculture.
in western
culture.
Today, however,
works ofcharacter,
symbolic they
character,
re-really
will
be really understood
when the viewer
they are emerging
part of humanity’s
quire an authentic
It is not It
contemplates
them appropriately
as sym- as symthey areasemerging
as part of humanity’s
quire anintroduction.
authentic introduction.
is not contemplates
them appropriately
spiritual heritage
and
worthy
of
the
greatpossible,
in
a
spontaneous
way,
to
capture
bols
of
invisible
realities.
spiritual heritage and worthy of the great- possible, in a spontaneous way, to capture bols of invisible realities.
est attention.
the messagethe
of which
they
bearers
andbearers
est attention.
message
of are
which
they are
the book
The
AnStory
Icon.of An Icon.
Fromand
theStory
bookofThe
From
It is not surprising
then that icons
they set
out they
to convey.
It is not surprising
then thatwhich
icons
which
set outAtohuman
convey.beA human beshould haveshould
become
much
soughtmuch
aftersought
in ing
createswho
symbols.
have
become
afterisina creature
ing is awho
creature
creates symbols.
the art world
And “a symbol
theand
art ocworld and ocAnd “adoes
symbol does
cupy a place
of honor
not signify:notit signify:
evokes it evokes
cupy
a place of honor
in antique shops
and shops and
and focuses,
in antique
and reunites
focuses, reunites
the homes of
and concentrates,
in an
thewealthy
homes ofThe
wealthy
and
concentrates,
in an
Redemptorists
are
The Redemptorists
are
collectors. collectors.
So much So much
analogous way,
a
multianalogous way, a multithe1980
only the
religious
order in order
only religious
so that between
1980
plicityin
of meanings
so that
between
plicity ofthat
meanings that
and the endand
of 1992,
cannot
be
reduced
to reduced to
the end the
of 1992,
cannot
be
worldtheentrusted
by the by the
world entrusted
Photo : The original
of Our
Photoicon
: The
original icon of Our
“twenty-seven
mila
single
meaning,
nor
“twenty-seven mila single meaning, nor
Mother
of
Perpetual
Help
is
revered Help is revered
Mother
of
Perpetual
Holy
See
to
protect
and
Holy
See
to
protect
and
lion icons lion
were icons
ille- were illeeven to several.
even toThe
several. The
and venerated by
thevenerated
millions inside
and
by the millions inside
the
Church
of
St.
Alphonsus
gally exported
the
Church
ofLiguori
St. Alphonsus Liguori
symbol
depends
on
make
a
religious
gally from
exported
fromknown
symbol
depends
on
make known a religious
in Rome, Italy. in Rome, Italy.
Russia,” Russia,”
according according
the mythicaltheand
ritual and ritual
mythical
work
of
art
depicting
an
work
of
art
depicting
an
Saint: St. Alphonsus
foundedLiguori founded
Saint:Liguori
St. Alphonsus
to the Moscow
context withcontext
which with
it is which it is
to theNews
Moscow News
the Congregation
the Most Holyof the Most Holy
theofCongregation
Mary.of Mary.
Agency. AsAgency.
a resultAs image
associated.”associated.”
a result ofimage
Redeemer (Redemptorists)
in Naples,
Redeemer (Redemptorists)
in Naples,
Italy in 1732. HeItaly
is ainDoctor
of this increasingly
Thus, although
1732.ofHethe
is a Doctor of the
of this increasingly
Thus, at
although at
Church and the Church
official patron
and theofofficial patron of
widespread widespread
and popularanddemand,
times
it may
haveit seemed
to seemed
be so, the
popularthere
demand,
there
times
may have
to be so, the
moralists, confessors
and confessors
people
moralists,
and people
has been a has
considerable
growth in copies
is neither
noran
a charm,
been a considerable
growth inicon
copies
icon an
is idol
neither
idol norbut
a charm, but
who suffer fromwho
arthritis.
suffer from arthritis.
and reproductions
of icons, using
a variresemblesIt aresembles
“sacred page”
and reproductions
of icons,
usingaasymbol.
vari- Ita symbol.
a “sacred page”
ety of different
techniques
to ensure their
which
a message
salvationoftosalvation to
ety of
different techniques
to ensure
theirconveys
which
conveys aof message
wide distribution.
us. To grasp
message,
need towe need to
wide distribution.
us. this
To grasp
thiswe
message,
Icons are also
in vogue
know how
“read”
thetopage
on the
which
it is
Iconsvery
aremuch
also very
muchasin vogue
as toknow
how
“read”
page
on which it is
one of the most
characteristic
expressions
found
and
“to
allow
oneself
to
be
read”
by
one of the most characteristic expressions found and “to allow oneself to be read” by
of symbolicofimages.
Through
it is them
it. Itit isisnot it.
by Itchance
the term
“icosymbolic
images.them
Through
is not that
by chance
that
the term “icopossible to possible
discover toa discover
Christiana experi- writer of images
is used
for- is used for
Christian nographer”
experi- nographer”
- writer- of
images
ence of God,ence
the of
fruit
of
the
iconographer’s
the
individual
called
upon
to
paint
such
God, the fruit of the iconographer’s the individual called upon to paint such
faith, contemplation
and prayer; and
a theology
icons. And icons.
this being
person
faith, contemplation
prayer; a theology
And so,
thisthe
being
so, who
the person who
of revealed oftruths
molded
intomolded
aesthetic
contemplates
these
works
of
piety
and
revealed
truths
into aesthetic
contemplates these works ofart
piety and art
4 The Story
theStory
Icon of the Icon
4 ofThe
forms; and aforms;
universe
leads that
must
be a “reader”
symbols. of symbols.
andofa symbols
universethat
of symbols
leads
must be of
a “reader”
6 Meaning
the Behind
Icon the Icon
6 Behind
Meaning
us back to the
localtochurches
they whereBut
there isBut
stillthere
something
This more. This
us back
the localwhere
churches
they
is still more.
something
8 Home to8theHome
Shrine
originated. This
is whyThis
they isarewhy
so they
greatly
has a page
very has
precise
place
in place in
to the Shrine
originated.
are sosacred
greatlypagesacred
a very
precise
appreciatedappreciated
among representatives
of cul- liturgical
religious
among representatives
of cul- worship,
liturgicalpopular
worship,
popularbereligious be9 Why the9Redemptorists?
Why the Redemptorists?
ture, art andture,
religion.
Allreligion.
of whichAll
hasofprelief preand private
pietyprivate
“as anpiety
affective
meart and
which has
lief and
“as an
affective me10 Mary’s Message
10 Mary’s Message
pared the ground
for icons
occupy
diumthe
for knowing
God,
the Virgin
pared the
groundto for
iconsthe
to occupy
dium for
knowing
God,and
the the
Virgin and the
privileged place
due toplace
themdue
in Christian
saints” andsaints”
bringing
usbringing
into contact
withcontact with
privileged
to them in Christian
and
us into
11 Frontlines
Faith & War
11 ofFrontlines
of Faith & War
prayer, worship,
liturgy,
spirituality,
popu- them.
However,
it
does
not
involve
theoprayer,
worship,
liturgy, spirituality,
poputhem. However, it does not involve theo12 Sail with12Mother
Mary
Sail with
Mother Mary
lar piety and
ecumenical
concerns ofconcerns
reticalofand retical
abstract
is per- It is perlarthe
piety
and the ecumenical
andteaching.
abstractItteaching.
13 Winning13Words
of Faith
the western the
church
- a place
that
had
formed
liturgical
that isstyle,
to say,
Winning
Words of Faith
western
church
- athey
place
that they
hadin aformed
in astyle,
liturgical
that is to say,
never lost innever
eastern
churches.
directed
at
all
the
faculties
of
the
human
lost in eastern churches.
directed at all the faculties of the human
Did You
Did Know:
You Know:
Keep Up on
All the Latest
News About
Our Mother
You are invited to join our Jubilee
celebration! For more information, go to
Jubilee.MaryPrayForUs.org. It will also be
telecast live on EWTN – check your local
listings. You can also continue to follow
Our Mother of Perpetual Help after the
150 Celebrations on our website.
On the
OnCover
the Cover
Dear Friend of the Redemptorists,
It has finally arrived – the 150th anniversary celebration of that great gift given
to you and me by Pope Pius IX. It is a gift
we Redemptorists have tried our hardest
to share with the world: the Icon of Our
Mother of Perpetual Help.
As a Redemptorist, I have seen how the
Mother of Jesus has cared for those who
cry out to her. She reassures us that we are
not alone. She opens our eyes to see God
at work in our life and in control of your
future. When we are frightened, worried,
worn down by life’s problems, or overcome
with sorrow, the Mother of God draws near
to comfort us.
Together you and I celebrate the way in
which the Mother of Jesus has watched
over us. She has guided and blessed our
ministry as missionaries. We also celebrate
how, as the result of her perpetual help, we
are able to lead countless people to make
the radical choice to put Christ at the center of their lives.
As I have preached novena devotions
to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, I have
read the countless petitions for her help
and thanksgivings for favors received. The
thanksgivings always outnumber the petitions. I hope you have experienced her
power in your own life. Her greatest power
is to lead us to her Son and to channel the
saving love he desires to pour out to us.
Please join with me and my fellow Redemptorists in prayer on June 27th, celebrate the gift she is to the Church, and
commit to continue in the future to “make
her known to the world”.
Yours in the
love of the Mother of the
Follow the Redemptorists
Follow the Redemptorists
Redeemer, on Facebook on Facebook
Very Rev. Stephen T. Rehrauer, C.Ss.R.
Provincial Superior – Denver Province
Contents
Contents
HOPE
3
HOPE
3
the
thestory
storyof
ofthe
the
COn
This
Thisisisthe
thestory
storyofofaa
painting,
painting,an
anunknown
unknown
artist,
artist,aarepentant
repentantthief,
thief,
aacurious
curiouslittle
littlegirl,
girl,an
an
abandoned
abandonedchurch,
church,
an
anold
oldreligious,
religious,
and
andaapope.
pope.
There
Thereisisa alegend
legendabout
abouta amerchant
merchantfrom
fromthe
theisle
isleofofCrete
Cretewho
whostole
stolea amiraculous
miraculouspicture
picturefrom
fromone
oneofofitsits
churches.
churches.He
Hehid
hidit itamong
amonghis
hisbelongings
belongingsononhis
hisship
shipand
andpromptly
promptlysetsetsail
sailforforItaly.
Italy.After
Afterabout
abouta ayear,
year,hehear-arrived
rivedininRome,
Rome,deathly
deathlyill,ill,with
withhis
hisstolen
stolenpicture.
picture.
On
Onhis
hisdeath
deathbed,
bed,heheconfessed
confessedtotoa afriend
friendthat
thathehehad
hadstolen
stolenthe
thepicture
pictureand
andbegged
beggedhim
himtotoreturn
return
it ittotoa achurch.
church.The
Thefriend
friendconfided
confidedtotohis
hiswife
wifeabout
aboutthe
thepainting.
painting.But
Butafter
afterseeing
seeingit,it,she
sherefused
refused
totorelinquish
relinquishsuch
sucha abeautiful
beautifultreasure.
treasure.The
Thehusband
husbandlater
laterdied,
died,unable
unabletotofulfill
fulfillhis
hisfriend’s
friend’s
dying
dyingwish.
wish.
Then
Thenone
oneday,
day,the
theBlessed
BlessedVirgin
Virginappeared
appearedtotothe
theyoung
youngdaughter
daughterofofthis
thisfamily
familyand
and
told
toldher
hertototell
tellher
hermother
motherthat
thatthe
thepicture
pictureofofOur
OurMother
MotherofofPerpetual
PerpetualHelp
Helpshould
shouldbebe
placed
placedininthe
theChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Matthew
Matthewthe
theApostle,
Apostle,located
locatedbetween
betweenthe
thebasilicas
basilicasofofSt.St.Mary
Mary
Major
Majorand
andSt.St.John
JohnLateran.
Lateran.
Finally,
Finally,after
aftermany
manyagonizing
agonizingdays,
days,the
themother
motherreluctantly
reluctantlyagreed
agreedtototurn
turnover
overthe
thepicture
picture
totothe
theclergy
clergyinincharge
chargeofofSt.St.Matthew
Matthewthe
theApostle.
Apostle.The
Theicon
iconofofthe
theVirgin
Virginwas
wasplaced
placedinin
St.St.Matthew’s
Matthew’sononMarch
March27th,
27th,1499.
1499.There
Thereit itremained
remainedforforthe
thenext
next300
300years.
years.
From
From1739
1739toto1798,
1798,the
thechurch
churchand
andadjacent
adjacentmonastery
monasterywere
wereunder
underthe
thecare
careofofthe
theIrish
Irish
Augustinians.
Augustinians.The
Themonastery
monasterywas
wasbeing
beingused
usedasasa aformation
formationcenter
centerforfortheir
theirseminarians.
seminarians.InIn
1798,
1798,Rome
Romecame
cameunder
underattack.
attack.Several
Severalofofthe
thestudents
studentssought
soughtsanctuary
sanctuaryininanother
anothernearby
nearby
monastery,
monastery,bringing
bringingwith
withthem
themthe
theicon,
icon,which
whichhad
hadbecome
becomea agreat
greatsource
sourceofofsolace
solaceand
andcomfort
comforttotothem.
them.
InIn1819,
1819,the
theIrish
IrishAugustinians
Augustiniansmoved
movedtotothe
theChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Mary
MaryininPosterula,
Posterula,taking
takingwith
withthem
themthe
the“Virgin
“Virgin
ofofSt.St.Matthew’s.”
Matthew’s.”There,
There,it itwas
wasinstalled
installedinina aprivate
privatechapel
chapelwhere
whereit itremained,
remained,allallbut
butforgotten,
forgotten,but
butforforBrother
Brother
Augustine
AugustineOrsetti,
Orsetti,one
oneofofthe
theoriginal
originalfriars
friarsfrom
fromSt.St.Matthew’s.
Matthew’s.
nnOld
OldReligious
Religiousand
andYoung
YoungAltar
AltarBoy
Boy
AAyoung
youngaltar
altarboy
boybybythe
thename
nameofofMichael
MichaelMarchi
Marchioften
oftenvisited
visitedthe
theChurch
ChurchofofSancta
SanctaMaria
MariaininPosterula
Posterulaand
and
became
becamefriends
friendswith
withBrother
BrotherAugustine.
Augustine.Much
Muchlater,
later,asasRedemptorist
RedemptoristFr.Fr.Michael
MichaelMarchi,
Marchi,hehewould
wouldwrite:
write:
This
Thisgood
goodbrother
brotherused
usedtototell
tellme
mewith
witha acertain
certainairairofofmystery
mysteryand
andanxiety
anxietythese
theseprecise
precisewords:
words:‘Make
‘Makesure
sureyou
you
know,
know,my
myson,
son,that
thatthe
theimage
imageofofthe
theVirgin
VirginofofSt.St.Matthew
Matthewisisupstairs
upstairsininthe
thechapel.
chapel.Don’t
Don’t
ever
everforget
forgetit.it.Do
Doyou
youunderstand?
understand?ItItisisa amiraculous
miraculouspicture.’
picture.’AtAtthat
thattime
timethe
thebrother
brotherwas
was
almost
almosttotally
totallyblind
blind
What
WhatI can
I cansay
sayabout
aboutthe
thevenerable
venerablepicture
pictureofofthe
the‘Virgin
‘VirginofofSt.St.Matthew,’
Matthew,’also
alsocalled
called‘Per‘Perpetual
petualHelp,’
Help,’isisthat
thatfrom
frommy
mychildhood
childhooduntil
untilI entered
I enteredthe
theCongregation
Congregation(of(ofthe
theRedempRedemptorists)
torists)I had
I hadalways
alwaysseen
seenit itabove
abovethe
thealtar
altarofofthe
thehouse
housechapel
chapelofofthe
theAugustinian
Augustinianfathers
fathers
ofofthe
theIrish
IrishProvince
ProvinceatatSt.St.Mary
MaryininPosterula.
Posterula.There
Therewas
wasnonodevotion
devotiontotoit,it,nonodecorations,
decorations,
not
noteven
evena alamp
lamptotoacknowledge
acknowledgeitsitspresence.
presence.ItItremained
remainedcovered
coveredwith
withdust
dustand
andpractically
practically
abandoned.
abandoned.Many
Manywere
werethe
thetimes,
times,when
whenI served
I servedMass
Massthere,
there,that
thatI would
I wouldstare
stareatatit itwith
with
great
greatattention.
attention.
44HOPE
HOPE
ediscovery
ediscoveryof
ofthe
theIcon
Icon
InInJanuary
Januaryofof1855,
1855,the
theRedemptorist
Redemptoristmissionaries
missionariespurchased
purchasedVilla
VillaCaserta
CasertaininRome
Romealong
alongthe
theVia
ViaMerulana
Merulana
and
andconverted
convertedit itinto
intotheir
theirgeneral
generalhouse.
house.On
Onthis
thissame
sameproperty
propertywere
werethe
theruins
ruinsofofthe
theChurch
Churchand
andMonastery
Monasteryofof
St.St.Matthew
Matthewthe
theApostle.
Apostle.Without
Withoutrealizing
realizingit,it,the
theRedemptorists
Redemptoristshad
hadacquired
acquiredthe
thevery
veryland
landthat,
that,centuries
centuriesbefore,
before,
had
hadbeen
beenchosen
chosenbybythe
theBlessed
BlessedVirgin
Virginherself
herselfasasher
hersanctuary
sanctuarybetween
betweenSt.St.Mary
MaryMajor
Majorand
andSt.St.John
JohnLateran.
Lateran.
Four
Fourmonths
monthslater,
later,construction
constructionwas
wasbegun
begunonona achurch
churchininhonor
honorofofthe
theMost
MostHoly
HolyRedeemer
Redeemerand
anddedicated
dedicatedtoto
St.St.Alphonsus
AlphonsusLiguori,
Liguori,founder
founderofofthe
theRedemptorist
RedemptoristCongregation.
Congregation.On
OnDecember
December24,
24,1855,
1855,a agroup
groupofof
young
youngmen
menbegan
begantheir
theirnovitiate
novitiateininthe
thenew
newhouse.
house.One
Oneofofthem
themwas
wasMichael
MichaelMarchi.
Marchi.
Curious
Curioustotoknow
knowmore
moreabout
aboutthe
theproperty
propertythey
theyhad
hadjust
justpurchased,
purchased,the
theRedemptorists
Redemptoristsbegan
began
totodig
digdeeper
deeperinto
intoitsitshistory.
history.Their
Theirinterest
interestwas
waspiqued
piquedabout
abouta aspecial
specialpainting
paintingafter
afterhearing
hearing
Fr.Fr.Francesco
FrancescoBlosi,
Blosi,the
thefamous
famousJesuit
Jesuitpreacher,
preacher,mention
mentionsomething
somethingininhis
hissermon
sermonabout
about
“an
“anicon
iconofofMary
Marythat
thathad
hadbeen
beenininthe
theChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Matthew
MatthewononVia
ViaMerulana
Merulanaand
andwas
was
known
knownasasThe
TheVirgin
VirginofofSt.St.Matthew,
Matthew,orormore
morecorrectly,
correctly,The
TheVirgin
VirginofofPerpetual
PerpetualHelp.”
Help.”
On
Onanother
anotheroccasion,
occasion,a aRedemptorist
Redemptoristwith
withthe
thecommunity
communityfound
foundsome
somereferences
referencesinin
his
hisresearch
researchabout
aboutthe
theChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Matthew
Matthewand
andananancient
ancienticon
iconofofthe
theMother
MotherofofGod
God
that
thatenjoyed
enjoyed“great
“greatveneration
venerationand
andfame
fameforforitsitsmiracles.”
miracles.”AAdiscussion
discussionensued
ensuedwithin
within
the
thecommunity
communityregarding
regardingitsitswhereabouts.
whereabouts.Then
ThenFr.Fr.Marchi
Marchiremembered
rememberedallallthat
thathehehad
had
heard
heardfrom
fromold
oldBrother
BrotherAugustine
AugustineOrsetti
Orsettiand
andtold
toldhis
hisconfreres
confreresthat
thathehehad
hadoften
oftenseen
seen
the
theicon
iconand
andknew
knewvery
verywell
wellwhere
whereit itcould
couldbebefound.
found.
he
heRedemptorists
RedemptoristsReceive
Receivethe
theIcon
Icon
With
Withthis
thisnew
newinformation,
information,interest
interestgrew
grewamong
amongthe
theRedemptorists
Redemptoriststotoknow
knowmore
more
about
aboutthe
theicon
iconand
andtotoretrieve
retrieveit itforfortheir
theirchurch.
church.Fr.Fr.Nicholas
NicholasMauron,
Mauron,C.Ss.R.,
C.Ss.R.,the
the
superior
superiorgeneral
generalatatthe
thetime,
time,presented
presenteda aletter
lettertotoPope
PopePius
PiusIXIXininwhich
whichhehepetitioned
petitionedthe
theHoly
HolySee
Seetotogrant
grant
them
themthe
theicon
iconofofPerpetual
PerpetualHelp
Helpsosothat
thatit itmay
maybebeplaced
placedininthe
thenewly
newlybuilt
builtChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Alphonsus,
Alphonsus,which
whichwas
was
located
locatednear
nearthe
thesite
sitewhere
wherethe
theold
oldChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Matthew
Matthewhad
hadstood.
stood.
The
ThePope
Popegranted
grantedthe
therequest
requestand
andononthe
theback
backofofthe
thepetition,
petition,ininhis
hisown
ownhandwriting,
handwriting,hehewrote:
wrote:
“December
“December11,
11,1865:
1865:The
TheCardinal
CardinalPrefect
PrefectofofPropaganda
Propagandawill
willcall
callthe
theSuperior
Superiorofofthe
thecommunity
communityofofSancta
Sancta
Maria
MariaininPosterula
Posterulaand
andwill
willtell
tellhim
himthat
thatit itisisour
ourdesire
desirethat
thatthe
theimage
imageofofMost
MostHoly
HolyMary,
Mary,referred
referredtotoininthis
this
petition,
petition,bebeagain
againplaced
placedbetween
betweenSaint
SaintJohn
Johnand
andSaint
SaintMary
MaryMajor;
Major;the
theRedemptorists
Redemptoristsshall
shallreplace
replaceit itwith
with
another
anotheradequate
adequatepicture.”
picture.”
According
Accordingtototradition,
tradition,this
thiswas
waswhen
whenPope
PopePius
PiusIXIXtold
toldthe
theRedemptorist
RedemptoristSuperior
SuperiorGeneral
GeneralMauron
Mauron“to
“to
make
makeher
herknown
knownthroughout
throughoutthe
theworld!”
world!”InInJanuary,
January,1866,
1866,Frs.
Frs.Michael
MichaelMarchi
Marchiand
andErnest
ErnestBresciani
Brescianiwent
wenttoto
St.St.Mary’s
Mary’sininPosterula
Posterulatotoreceive
receivethe
thepicture
picturefrom
fromthe
theAugustinians.
Augustinians.
Before
Beforedisplaying
displayingthe
theicon,
icon,the
theRedemptorists
Redemptoristscommissioned
commissionedPolish
Polishartist,
artist,Leopold
LeopoldNowotny
Nowotnytotoclean
cleanthe
the
painting.
painting.Finally,
Finally,ononApril
April26th,
26th,1866,
1866,the
theimage
imagewas
wasagain
againpresented
presentedforforpublic
publicveneration
venerationininthe
theChurch
Churchofof
St.St.Alphonsus
Alphonsusononthe
theVia
ViaMerulana.
Merulana.AAgreat
greatprocession
processionwas
wasstaged
stagedininwhich
whichthe
thepicture
picturewas
wascarried
carriedthroughout
throughout
the
theEsquiline
Esquilineregion
regionofofRome.
Rome.Upon
Uponreturning
returningtotothe
thechurch,
church,the
thepicture
picturewas
wasenthroned
enthronedover
overthe
thehigh
highaltar,
altar,inina a
resplendent
resplendentshrine-niche
shrine-nicheespecially
especiallyconstructed
constructedforforit.it.
The
Thereport
reportofofmarvelous
marveloushealings
healingsspread
spreadrapidly
rapidlythroughout
throughoutthe
thecity
cityofofRome
Romeand
andpeople
peoplecame
camebybythe
thethouthousands
sandstotovisit
visitthe
theshrine.
shrine.Soon
Soonthe
thewhole
wholearea
areaaround
aroundthe
thealtar
altarwas
wasfilled
filledwith
withabandoned
abandonedcrutches
crutchesand
andcanes
canes
and
andofferings
offeringsininthe
theshapes
shapesofofminiature
miniaturehearts,
hearts,arms,
arms,legs
legsand
andother
othervotive
votiveofferings.
offerings.Scarcely
Scarcelytwo
twoweeks
weeksafter
after
the
thesolemn
solemnexposition
expositionofofthe
thepicture,
picture,Pope
PopePius
PiusIXIXhimself
himselfcame
cametotovisit
visitthe
theshrine.
shrine.He
Hestood
stoodquietly
quietlybefore
beforeit itforfor
a along
longtime
timeand
andthen
thenexclaimed,
exclaimed,“How
“Howbeautiful
beautifulshe
sheis!”
is!”
Today,
Today,the
theshrine
shrinetotoOur
OurMother
MotherofofPerpetual
PerpetualHelp,
Help,inside
insidethe
theChurch
ChurchofofSt.St.Alphonsus
AlphonsusininRome,
Rome,isisone
oneofofthe
the
world’s
world’sgreat
greatcenters
centersofofMarian
Mariandevotion.
devotion.
HOPE
HOPE55
The Meaning Behind the
Icon
The icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help belongs to a family of icons
known as Hodegetria, which means ‘guide’ or ‘leader of the way’ and to
a type known as the Virgin of the Passion. Icons are known as doors or
“windows to the divine.” They help us to look beyond the physical world
and focus on the spiritual realm.
The iconographer “writes” the icons he produces from his faith and from
his contemplation of the multiform presence of God. Through these
icons, through their images and colors, he seeks to present to other be-
lievers something of this mysterious world he has discovered and
that he is endeavoring to understand more fully.
While other icons may be valuable in themselves, the icon of Our
Mother of Perpetual Help is all the more valuable for the devotion
inspired by its contemplation.
The message to those who contemplate the icon is this:
It is a portrait of the Theotokos, or Mother of God, of the Hodegetria type, to which the iconographer has added the instruments
of Christ’s glorious Passion carried by the archangels Michael
and Gabriel in their veiled hands. The stars on the forehead of the
Mother of God, the great hands of Mary, the title of the icon, the
attitude of Christ in the arms of his mother, and the presence of the
instruments of the Passion in the configuration of the icon, invite us
to remember, to contemplate and experience the great mystery of
salvation in Christ that begins with the Incarnation and culminates
in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Son of God and to
which Mary is indivisibly linked.
Greek Characters: The letters ΜΡ ΘΥ are an
abbreviation for Μήτή Θεοΰ (Mother of God).
Behold the Icon
By
By Brother
Brother Daniel
DanielKorn,
Korn,C.Ss.R.
C.Ss.R.
If you
you have
havethe
theicon
iconofofOur
OurMother,
Mother,I invite
I invite
If
youyou
to
place
it
at
eye
level.
Spend
a
few
minutes
gazing
to place it at eye level. Spend a few minutes gazing
upon it.
allow your
your eyes
eyes to
to concentrate
concentrate on
on the
the
upon
it. Then,
Then, allow
face of
of the
the Blessed
BlessedVirgin
VirginMary.
Mary.
face
Praying before
beforethe
theicon
icon
opens
Praying
in in
thisthis
wayway
opens
our our
hearts
experience
of faith
hearts and
andminds
mindstotoa deeper
a deeper
experience
of faith
through the
Virgin
Mary,
the presence
presenceofofthe
theBlessed
Blessed
Virgin
Mary,
Our Perpetual Help.
Archangel Michael: He is holding a lance, a pole with
a sponge, and a vessel of vinegar. These prefigure
scenes from Jesus’ crucifixion. The Archangel’s veiled
hands inculcate reverence for holy things.
Mary’s Star: Mary is the dawn announcing the
coming of Jesus. It symbolizes the role of Mary in the
mystery of Christ and the Church. The star indicates
that she is the one who will lead us to Christ.
Mary’s Face & Mouth: The smallness of her mouth
teaches us to be silent before the presence of God.
Mary’s Eyes: Mary’s eyes are filled with compassion
and love, are fixed on us, her children on earth. She is
our source of constant comfort and hope. Her eyes
draw all who look into her face toward the mystery of
Redemption which she holds in her arms.
Archangel Gabriel: Gabriel is holding a cross and
nails., the very instruments of the coming death that
has driven the boy Jesus to His mother's safe embrace.
His veiled hands inculcate reverence for holy things.
The Gold Background: The gold background
represents heaven and the divine light of the
Resurrection shining through the garments of Jesus
and Mary entering into one praying before the image.
The original picture is painted on wood, in colors of
the composition designated by artists as tempera. Its
proportions are twenty-one inches in height and
seventeen inches in width.
The Face of Jesus: The Christ Child looks out beyond
the instruments of His passion to our future
redemption. While Jesus' body is that of a child, His
face is more mature, symbolizing wisdom beyond His
years.
Jesus' Feet & Sandals: The falling sandal informs us
that He became human like us in all things but sin.
Showing his heel is from the promise of God in the
book of Genesis 3:15: "I will put enmity between you
and the woman, and between your seed and her seed;
he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his
heel."
6
HOPE
Brother Daniel Korn, C.Ss.R.
continues the mission of the Redemptorist Congregation to teach
and proclaim the message of the
icon of Our Mother of Perpetual
Help. Through novenas, missions,
and seminars, Brother Daniel
brings to people the messages of
the icon contained in this miraculous work of art. Brother Daniel
is currently the administrator of
the Redemptorist Community in
Glenview, Illinois.
HOPE
7
WhY
Choose the
home
Redemptorists?
Why was this icon given to the Redemptorists? It is known that Pope Pius IX held
the Redemptorists in high esteem and that
he was well aware of St. Alphonsus Liguori’s
devotion to the Blessed Mother.
On one occasion, at the tomb of St. Alphonsus, Pope Pius IX took off his papal
ring and exchanged it for the bishop’s ring
that Alphonsus wore when he was Bishop of
St. Agatha of the Goths.
The Pope also realized that the Redemptorists, at this time, were enjoying a period
of significant growth that would allow them
to spread devotion to the icon around the
world and proclaim, like St. Alphonsus did,
the glories of Mary.
And then there are God’s reasons: Could
it be that He wanted an intimate connection
between a Congregation that has as its purpose the preaching of abundant redemption
and an icon that illustrates this core message of redemption? We like to think so.
to the
Shrine
he Church of San Alfonso, one of
the rare examples of neo-gothic architecture in Rome, sits on the Esquiline hill
on the Via Merulana between the two basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran.
It was built in 1855 and consecrated in
1859 by Cardinal Costantino Patrizi. Tradition tells us that while excavating the foundations of the church, workers found a gold
coin bearing the effigy o f t he R edeemer,
which people took as a very good omen.
Three doors in gothic style lead to the
vestibule of the church. The tympanum or
recessed area above the main doors is decorated with a beautiful polychrome mosaic
of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Over the tympana of the side doors
are two bas-reliefs on gold mosaic
backgrounds, done by the artist Antonio della Bitta, depicting on the left
St. Alphonsus Liguori and on the right
the Redemptorist saint considered the
second founder of the Congregation,
St. Clement Hofbauer.
On the apex of the arch above the central door stands a statue, in Carrara marble,
of the Holy Redeemer. High above this is
a magnificent rose window in honor of
Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
8
HOPE
Our Mother of Perpetual help Shrines Worldwide
Argentina
Germany
Portugal
Australia
Haiti
Scotland
Austria
Honduras
Singapore
Bolivia
India
South Africa
Brazil
Ireland
Spain
Burkina Faso
Italy
Thailand
Canada
Lebanon
USA
Chile
Mexico
Venezuela
Colombia
Paraquay
Zimbabwe
Ecuador
Peru
England
Philippines
The icon leaving the Church of San Alfonso for the start
of the procession accompanied by songs and prayers.
Inside the church, the columns of colored
marble separate the large central nave from
two side aisles. The nave, typical of the neogothic architecture of southern Italy, presents a rich spectacle of polychrome marble.
The side aisles contain six small chapels,
erected in the 1930s. These are dedicated
to St. Theresa of Avila, St. Joseph, The Holy
Family, St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady Immaculate and St. Alphonsus Liguori.
The confessionals, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century in florid gothic,
were built by the Redemptorist Brother,
Gerardo Uriati, a noted cabinet maker.
The paintings in the chapels and on the
arches of the central nave are the work of
Redemptorist Brother Maximilien Schmalzl
(1850-1930).
At the end of the nave, on the triumphal
arch above the entrance to the sanctuary,
hangs the beautiful early 20th century
painting, by Eugenio Cisterna, depicting the Coronation of the Virgin with
the angels and the saints of the
Redemptorist Congregation.
Finally, in the center of the sanctuary,
beneath the magnificent mosaic of Our
Holy Redeemer, is the original icon of Our
Mother of Perpetual Help, arguably the
most popular and beloved representation
of Mary. Today, she sits in a special setting
of bronze and glass, inside this beautiful
church, beseeching us with those welcoming eyes to seek sanctuary in her loving
arms as did her own Son.
Restoring a Religious Work of Art
In 1994, the General Government of the Retative and quantitative analyses of the paint,
demptorists in Rome agreed to take down the
and other infra-red and ultra-violet tests. The
icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help from above
results of these analyses, particularly the CarIn 2001, Pope John Paul II
the main altar in the Church of St. Alphonsus
bon-14 test, indicated that the wood of the icon
presented
an
icon
of
Our
so that photographs could be taken of her. The
of Perpetual Help could safely be dated besanctuary of the Church was also renovated at Mother of Perpetual Help to tween the years 1325-1480. The second stage
the same time. Upon closer inspection they dis- a Muslim cleric on the first
consisted of filling the cracks and perforations
covered that the icon was in a grave state of dein the wood, cleaning the paint, retouching the
terioration. The General Government enlisted visit of a pope to a mosque.
affected sections, and strengthening the structhe technical services of the Vatican Museum to
ture that sustains the icon.
bring about a general restoration of the icon that would deal with the
On the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, June 27, 1995, the
cracks and fungus that threatened irreparable damage.
newly-restored icon and the remodeled sanctuary were solemnly
The restoration work was entrusted to Professor Maurizio de Luca,
blessed and inaugurated by his Eminence Joseph Cardinal Bevilacthe master of restoration for the Vatican Museum. The first part of the
qua, archbishop of Philadelphia, to whom the Church of St. Alphonrestoration consisted of a series of X-rays, infra-red images, qualisus had been entrusted as his titular church in Rome.
Did You Know:
HOPE
9