Print of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Icon drawn by the hand of Sr. Jeana Visel, OSB, Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana.

Prints available in 5x7" and 8x10" size.
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This icon is based on a Byzantine prototype originally written in Crete (probably in the 1400s), and entrusted to the Redemptorists. The image is of Mary with Jesus, with the archangels Michael (left) and Gabriel (right) showing him the instruments of the Passion. While some interpreters suggest that Jesus is losing his sandal in fright, others say it reflects the Old Testament tradition of taking off one’s shoe when making a covenant with someone. It is a sign of Christ’s covenant with humankind, that he will go through the crucifixion for the sake of salvation. His calm face suggests he is not afraid. Her face is perhaps somewhat sad, reflective, knowing the suffering of humanity, and yet knowing that all shall be well. She is the one who offers her Son as comfort to a weary world. Mary’s being clad in blue is the traditional Catholic image; in an Orthodox version of this icon, called Our Lady of the Passion, she wears red. Both are crowned: she is our Queen of Heaven; he is our King of Kings. The initials beside Mary indicate that she is the Mother of God; the traditional inscription and cross within Christ’s halo indicate that he is “the human one,” and the ICXC is the Greek shorthand for Jesus Christ.