We begin with the Lady of Perpetual Help because she is the patron saint of Haiti. Most of the people of Haiti are devout Christians contrary to what one may hear. We also have a special devotion to Mary.
God chose her to bear his Son and ensured that she was in good hands and protected at all times. Haitians trust Mary like a child trusts a mother. We know she will lead us to her son, Jesus, who is the Way to our Father. We do not, in any case, put her above Jesus or our God. We just love her as well. So, let us learn a little more about the Lady of Perpetual Help.
The Redemptorists also have a special devotion to the Lady of Perpetual Help. These priests have a location in Haiti where many men study to become priests. Père Yvon Trémon resided at St. John Neumann shrine in Philadelphia, PA for a couple of years. He transferred to St. Lucia in 2017.
The Feast of Lady of Perpetual Help is celebrated on June 27. Please think about doing a Novena to Lady of Perpetual Help to honor our Lady and to pray for Haiti.
In 1498, the picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was in a church on the island of Crete, in Greece. The picture had been there for some time and was known to be miraculous. One day a merchant from Crete stole the picture of Our Lady.
What is the story behind the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help? The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is an icon, painted on wood, and seems to have originated around the thirteenth century. Traditionally, the image is also known as “Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.” The icon (about 54 x 41.5 centimeters) depicts our Blessed Mother Mary, under the title “Mother of God,” holding the Child Jesus.
