Today is the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It is a feast day that is especially important to Redemptorists. I have preached a few devotions to her so far in my first year with the Redemptorists. This is a little something I wrote about her earlier this year. I hope you like it. It is based on the history of the icon. Follow the link below to read about Our Mother of Perpetual Help’s journey to such a revered stature all across the world.
“The Merchant’s Prize”
By
Russel Kelly
The Merchant of Crete heard of Her stories and had to see for himself.
He looked upon Her awesome beauty and decided to take Her away.
Where could he take this radiant Queen that has such saving power?
The roads would take him to the city where civilization was born.
It is here in Rome that our Merchant friend would find His resting place.
From there She would carry on her message of perpetual help.
She told a child to have them take her to a special place.
And they would find it in between Mary Major and John Lateran.
She said take me to the church of Saint Matthew and worry not for my safety.
I will be protected from the Emperor’s might, and Orsetti will pass me on.
The Sacristan gave the Merchant’s prize to the Son of St. Alphonsus.
And the Preachers of the Redeemer’s promise would see to Her return.
Make Her known throughout the world was the mission that Pious gave.
And they have told Her message to all the people of the earth.
The eight pointed star will lead us to our savior’s saving grace.
And Michael and Gabriel will let us know when She brings him to our presence.
Oh Mother of our Creator you keep redemption safe.
You are the singular vessel of devotion to which the Christ child runs.
The seat of wisdom looks to our eyes and wants to let us know.
That she will protect us just as she does her one and only son.
Tower of David built to the heavens of solid brick and mortar.
You invite us into your sturdy home. You are the refuge of sinners.
You pray to God on our behalf when we say five decades a day.
And nothing that we ask of you will ever be denied.
This is the power that the merchant wanted for himself.
But your power is much to great for just one man to have.
The thief proclaimed that you be placed where all can see your face.
So you chose to live with the Augustinians on the 27 of March.
The western warriors with all their might could not bring forth your demise.
And the advocates for the most abandoned would gladly rebuild your home.
We give thanks for your homecoming with parades and trumpet blasts
And in return you give us an unlimited number of miracles.
So thank you to the merchant of Crete for allowing your adventure to begin.
Thank you to the child of Rome for seeing to your safe return.
Thank you to all the people that came to see you at Saint Matthew’s Church.
Thank you to Augustine Orsetti for not allowing your message to die.
Thank you to Father Michael Marchi for taking up your cause.
Thank you for the Redemptorist family that would adopt you as their own.
Thank you to Pope Pious IX for demanding your message be heard.
Thank you to all women and men that have spread your message to this day.
Thank God for you our blessed mother and source of perpetual help.
Thank you Blessed Virgin Mary for our safe return into the arms of Jesus Christ, your son.
The Freedom Dispatch 