C.Ss.R. History: The Redemptorists Take Charge of the Perpetual Help Icon and St. Mary Major
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April 27, 2022The Public Veneration of the Perpetual Help Icon
The Public Veneration of the Icon of Mother of Perpetual Help began in the Church of St. Alphonsus, Rome, on the 26th of April, 1866. This year marks the 156th Anniversary of the public veneration of the miraculous Icon, which was entrusted to the Redemptorists by Pope Pius IX.
On April 26, 1866, a great procession was staged in which the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was carried throughout the Esquiline region of Rome. Upon returning to the church of St. Alphonsus, the picture was enthroned over the high altar, in a resplendent shrine-niche especially constructed for it.
All along the route of the procession, the people of Rome decorated their houses with bunting and flowers. The procession passed a house where a little boy of four lay dying. He had been given up as a hopeless case by the doctors. Hearing the singing, the child’s grieving mother snatched him in her arms and hastened to an open window. Looking out at Our Lady’s picture passing by she called out: “Dear blessed Mother, either cure my boy or take him to paradise!”
Our Lady chose the first and the boy was cured at once. The next day he toddled along with his mother to St. Alphonsus’ church and stood before the picture. He waved his little hands to the Madonna and cried “Grazie” and then blew her some kisses in the loving Italian style.
As the procession was passing another house, another mother called upon Our Lady of Perpetual Help to aid her eight-year-old daughter who was completely paralyzed. At once the girl regained partial use of her limbs and was able to move about a bit. The next day the mother brought the child to St. Alphonsus’ church to thank Our Lady and ask if she would not complete the cure. At once the child was restored to full health and vigor.
Redemptorist Service at the Basilica of St. Mary Major
On April 26, 1956, the Redemptorists were given charge of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The Redemptorists of the Province of Rome worked at the Basilica from 1956 to 1992.
The construction of St. Mary Major began in 432 AD and was finished in 1743 AD. It is one of four Major Basilicas, including St. John Lateran, St. Peter's and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
The Basilica of Mary Major sits within walking distance from the Redemptorist Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori.
Redemptorist, Dominican and Franciscan Friars have all served the church.
