“Holy icons are windows into heaven and an open Bible for man, giving a new understanding for God’s presence, peace and love.”
Mariyan devotions are very popular in Syro-Malabar Church. But the Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is one of the most well-known and loved images of the Blessed Virgin Mary known to Catholics. A novena in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help has been very common in many parish churches all over India, and indeed, the custom continues in many places to this day. I am a regular devotee of Mother Lalam church. It was an eye opener for me to know the deep meaning hidden in an Icon. It was a new knowledge to me that Icons are the windows into heaven. Icons are immediately resembles on an aesthetic meaning. This exhibition reminded me that a study and meditation are required to reach some of the deeper levels of meaning. The faithful could frequently meditate the icons and become involved in a prayer-like state contemplating the divine. It also helped me to know the famous Novena churches all over the world.
Commenting on the exhibition, the Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Fr. Alappattukunnel Sabastian said: “We are delighted to welcome the exhibition on Mother of Perpetual Help in our church. It surely helps us to appreciate the mystery and beauty of holiness, at the same time as enabling us to share the message of Gospel through this beautiful work of devotion and prayer.” This exhibition enabled me to have a better outlook and prayerful attitude towards the icon of Mother of Perpetual Help. We look forward to holding many more such exhibitions all over the Church. We are very grateful to the Redemptorist Fathers at Vadavathoor.
Miss Mariya Jose
St. Mary’s Church, Pala
Comments are closed.