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"A majestic, multi-layered narrative oil painting in the style of Renaissance triptych art. Center: The glowing Byzantine Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on a gold leaf background. Surrounding scenes interwoven into the clouds and robes: To the left, a rough 15th-century sea storm tossing an old wooden merchant ship, representing the journey from Crete. To the right, the ancient ruins of St. Matthew's Church in Rome. At the bottom, a Redemptorist priest receiving the icon from Pope Pius IX. The entire composition is bathed in divine, golden light, blending historical realism with a dreamlike, spiritual atmosphere. Detailed, sacred art, cinematic lighting.
The history of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is about a Byzantine icon stolen from Crete, Greece, in the 15th century, and taken to Rome by a merchant who, in repentance, asked for it to be displayed in a church. After losses and reappearances, the icon was entrusted to the Redemptorists by Pope Pius IX in 1866, who received the mission to spread the devotion worldwide, popularizing it through Perpetual Novenas and copies of the image.
Origins and Arrival in Rome:
The East: The icon, of Greek origin, was venerated in Crete, Greece, possibly since the 13th century.
The Theft and the Voyage: A merchant stole the image and took it to Rome, but during the crossing of the Mediterranean, a storm almost sank the ship—miracles that led him to repent.
In Rome: Upon arrival, the merchant fell ill and asked a friend to return the painting to a church. The friend's wife did not want to return it, but after visions and revelations, the icon was placed in the Church of St. Matthew in 1449.
Loss and Rediscovery:
Disappearance: The icon remained at St. Matthew's for centuries but was lost during the Napoleonic invasions and remained missing for about 30 years.
The Reunion: A devout monk told the story to an altar boy, who later became a Redemptorist priest and helped to find the image again.
Through people's faith in the Mother who protects the Son, the Mind or the "Supernatural" has brought about countless healings, feats, and achievements. The reclaiming of the feminine, or the search for the Mother, causes us to tap into mental capabilities that I believe science cannot yet explain—not yet. When my mother passed away, she said I was healed; I need to believe it!
