Media Release

Bengaluru, October 22: The Icon of Mother of Perpetual Help goes throughout the world on the occasion of the jubilee of 150 years since the Icon was handed over to the Redemptorists with the charge to 'make her known to the whole world'. The particular honouring was done on Friday at St. Joseph’s Church, Lingarajapuram, Bengaluru.

Fr Jacob Britto, CSSR, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, who is also Spiritual Director, Bangalore Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services (BCCRS), presented a reflection on the entire theme and explained to the large gathering the meaning of the Icon step by step.

He pointed towards the Icon that depicted Mary's life on earth which was full of crosses and trials, which she handled, faced and overcame. Fr Britto reminded the congregation that she was devout throughout, and that inferring from her life, one must not despair in times of trials. He gave an account of Mother's strong faith even at the foot of the cross, as her Son suffered. He prayed she gives people courage at their time of distress.

Mother went out of her way to help others in need, despite her troubles, so also, he urged people to pray for others as much as for self, to include the sick, dying, the lonely and the broken-hearted, the poor and the oppressed, in short, all who need Mother’s perpetual help.

Fr Britto, describing the Icon, said, it reminds us of Mary and Jesus facing the reality of suffering, particularly Jesus’ suffering and death, especially the salvation brought to us by Jesus, and the cooperation of Mary.

The expression on Mary’s face is that of a mother, who knows pain and suffering, she offers her help unconditionally. The Archangel Gabriel of the Annunciation appears in the Icon carrying the cross and nails.The Archangel Michael, the leader of the heavenly army is seen on the left of the Icon. The Archangel holds in the folds of his green mantel, a symbolic sponge that moistened the lips of dying Jesus and an illustrative lance that pierced Jesus' sides.

On both sides of her haloed head are the initials that mean 'Mother of God'. Next to the head of her Son are the initials which mean 'Jesus Christ'. The child Jesus in her arms is a reminder of the simple family life she had in Nazareth.
The Icon reveals the reason of her name as her eyes watched over people, with maternal affection, following them wherever they go.

The Icons were placed on the side altars prior to the mass .

Fr Jacob Britto made an impassioned appeal to Mother Mary, to lead us to her Son. He urged the gathering to join Mother in thanking God for all His wonders, and His Son. He also thanked God for the gift of life in its fullest essence and for creating everyone in His image and likeness.

The members belonging to the community of Nava Spoorthi Kendra, including Fr S Muthu the director , Fr J N Paul the administrator, Fr Francis Pinto the programme coordinator, and Fr Jacob Britto the parish priest, concelebrated the mass.

Fr Muthu recalled how Mother Mary helped him during his studies to become a priest, and concluded the programme with the final blessings.