Our Lady of
Perpetual Help
Second left window on the left side of the Church
The upper medallion is the Hope of Unity depicted as the Basilica of St.Peter's in Rome, built upon the Rock of Peter. Its presence in this window is to praise the fact that Our Lady of Perpetual Help is venerated both by the Eastern and the Western Catholics, and also by the Greek Orthodox Christians.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is one of the most famous icons of Our Lady. It dates back to the 14th century to a church on the island of Crete. Normally, the icon is just a bust, but in our window the artist takes the liberty of depicting the full figure. Likewise, the oriental and Byzantine features were changed in the window and the figures of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel were left out. However, all the figures in the original are identified by Greek letters and initials ..the Mother of God (MR), the child Jesus (OV), the Archangel Michael (OPM), and the Archangel Gabriel (OPG).
The lower medallion is Mary' s title of "Consoler of the Afflicted." Various emblems of the Passion are shown: the spear that lanced Jesus' side; the sponge on the reed; the cross and the hammer and the nails which in the original icon were carried by the Archangels. The Holy Child on the Mother's left arm looks with a glance akin to fear as if dreading to behold the awful signs, and in His distress seizes firmly upon Mary's right arm, while He kicks off the sandal from His right foot.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us |
