The icon is ancient. In it, the Child Jesus clutches His mother's hand with both of his, His sandal slipping from His foot. He has seen something — the archangels Gabriel and Michael on either side of Him, holding the instruments of His future Passion. The cross, the sponge, the nails. The vision frightens Him and He runs to her. Mary holds Him gently, her eyes turned outward — toward us.
This is what the icon communicates across eight centuries: when you are afraid, run to her. She will hold you, and she will look at you, and she will not let go.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the patroness of Haiti and a beloved intercessor for travelers, mothers, and anyone in need of refuge. Her feast is an invitation to bring her the things we are too scared to say out loud.
Enjoy Feast Day Food
Every food idea for this feast is rooted in the themes of the day — Mary's tenderness, her role as patroness, and the spirit of the feast:
- Marian foods — Anything white or blue, anything associated with Mary in your household's tradition. Almond cake, white rice, pale cheeses, blueberries. Let the color and the intention connect.
- Haitian food — In honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as patroness of Haiti. Rice and beans (diri ak pwa), fried plantains (bannann peze), or a simple Haitian chicken stew (poulet en sauce) are all accessible places to start.
- Trail mix or beef jerky — She is the patroness of travelers. Pack a small bag of trail mix and eat it on a walk, or bring it along on an errand. Even a small act of intention connects the day.
Make the Jesus Running to Mary Pull Tab Craft
Use the Jesus Running to Mary Pull Tab Craft from the June Printable Pack to bring the icon to life. Pull the tab and watch the Child Jesus run to His mother. As kids work, look up an image of the original icon together — the real one, from the Redemptorist church in Rome where it has been venerated for centuries. Sit with it for a moment before starting the craft. Let them see what they're re-creating.
Help Someone
Mary didn't just offer comfort from a distance — she showed up. Today, find one concrete way to help someone in your life. A child could do a chore for a sibling without being asked. A parent could drop off diapers or clothing to a local pregnancy resource center. A family could write a note to someone going through a hard season. Our Lady of Perpetual Help doesn't just console — she moves us to act.
Pray
Bring her the things you're afraid of. That's what this feast is for. Sit quietly as a family and let each person — silently or aloud — tell Mary one thing they're scared or nervous about. Then ask her to help. She will.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
