The icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is painted on a plaque of wood measuring little over 21 inches high and about 14 inches wide.

Throughout history it has received two basic titles. For artistic reasons and in accord with the style of the image, it has been called: "the Virgin of the Passion." Icons of the Virgin of the Passion usually represent the Mother of God holding her Son Jesus and to the sides, the angels carrying the instruments of the Passion of Christ. The other title that it bears comes from the devotion that surrounds it: "our Mother [or Lady] of Perpetual Help."

Each part of the icon expresses profound theological meaning.  It is important to know the meaning of the parts but also how each part contribute to the whole meaning of the icon. We are not outsiders, however, trying to decipher the meaning of the icon. Ultimately, we are called to enter and participate into the meaning of the icon so that we can be icon ourselves radiating the presence of God to the world.

Rollover through the icon to discover the meaning of the different parts of the icon.