Ang Icon sa Gugma ug Kaluoy

Hiyee! Devotee ka ba ng Mother of Perpetual Help? Here is the story from Jomil C. Baring, CSsR on the 150th Jubilee of OMPH: The ICON of LOVE and COMPASSION. Thank you Jom!

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One of the most common titles of Mary in the world particularly here in the Philippines is “Our Mother of Perpetual Help” (OMPH). In the Tagalog region, she is called as “Ina ng Laging Saklolo.” Among the Ilonggos, she is the “Iloy Sang sa Gihapon nga Panabang.” The Warays call her “Iroy han Kanunay nga Panabang”, while Cebuano speaking regions, Mary is “Inahan sa Kanunay’ng Panabang.”

The devotion of many Filipinos is very much expressive in the Wednesday novena throughout the country especially in Baclaran, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and in many parishes across the country. A copy of the icon can easily be seen as it is displayed not just in churches and chapels or homes, but even in public transportation such us buses, taxis, jeepneys, tricycles, and motorcycles.

This widespread devotion to the OMPH started in 1866 when Pope Pius IX entrusted the icon to the Redemptorist Missionaries (whose official name is, Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer). The Pope, upon the approval of the retrieval of the icon sent a note to the Redemptorist by his own handwriting. According to tradition, it was at this time also that the Pope told the superior general in behalf of the whole congregation to “make Her known throughout the world!”

Hundred fifty years later, the devotion to OMPH became so popular. Churches and shrines have been built in honor of her. Thousands of people flock to her icon and gaze upon her. This is indeed an expression of the countless people who come to Mary, especially among the most needy and afflicted and those who feel the need of being loved and protected by our Mother. This need of being loved is true to all classes in the society, rich and poor, young and old, healthy and the sick, righteous and sinners. They look up to Mary’s icon to seek her intercession for every petition.

As one gazes upon the icon of “Our Mother of Perpetual Help” the encounter becomes real and alive. The intent of the icon is to have a real encounter with the Divine. It is more than the representation of a person or a historical event. The former Superior General of the Redemptorists, Fr. Juan Manuel Lasso de la Vega, says “This icon (OMPH) reminds us of Mary and Jesus facing the reality of the Passion; but rather in a special way it purports to raise our consciousness of the mysteries of Redemption in Christ and of the intercession of Mary in favor of the followers of Jesus.” Hence, as this icon shows to us Mary, our Mother but more so, it invites us to gaze upon the image of her son, Jesus, the Redeemer in the arms of Mary. It is manifested as the right hand of Our Mother pointing us to her Son, who is the true Perpetual Help.

With an attitude of faith and contemplative prayer one could admire how this particular icon, in its truest sense, articulates an Icon of Love and Compassion. It is most depicted in the face of Our Mother. It is a face that, indeed, knows pain and suffering yet calls us to come to her to find refuge. The child Jesus himself was the first to take refuge to her Mother. Jesus’ hands are clinging to her Mother’s open hand. This open hand gives us then the invitation to come to her and at the same time to come nearer to Jesus. The serene eyes of Mary looks upon us tenderly assuring all of us her daughters and sons that she is not blind and indifferent from all our difficulties and struggles. This is an assurance to us that as a Mother, she will always be accompanying us in our journey of faith.

Above all, this true Icon of Love and Compassion speaks to us that life may not be easy. Like the child Jesus, we might find ourselves trembling in fear, yet the hands of our Mother are always ready to help, comfort and accompany us. The presence of her son, Jesus, reminds us that our God is loving and is full of mercy. This is depicted in the symbols of the passion of our Lord carried by the two angels. Moreover, this Icon of Love and Compassion calls us not to forget our brothers and sisters especially the sick and the dying, the lonely and the broken hearted, the poor and the oppressed, for they too are our co-pilgrims. Certainly, this Icon of Love and Compassion invites us to accept the Will of God and to offer our lives in the service of others. This is the true celebration of the 150th jubilee of making Her known throughout the world!

An excerpt of the Perpetual Novena captures this hope of every devotee that says, “As we look at your picture, we remember your life on earth. You had many crosses and trials but you knew how to face them. You had faith and trust in God. You relied on his loving, fatherly goodness.” This makes us, then, devotees of Our Mother to utter, “Help us to be like you. We too have our trials and troubles. We are often worried and confused. Give us courage. Strengthen our faith.”