The iconography

Marian icons never show their hair, symbol of the virtues and beauty of the woman, and are veiled to indicate the total membership of God. The Virgin carries a green-blue-colored headgear, symbolizing divine humanity, as well as the tunic. The color of the mantle is obtained by the blend of brown color, which means humility and concealment, and the red symbolizing love. The highly covered head alludes to his total submission to the will of the Father. The golden edge that adorns her mantle signifies her regal dignity to which God raised her, rendering Mother of her only Son. The mantle with the lined interior of red lit indicates that you are the home of Wisdom, but also reminds of the martyrdom of your heart and your passion. The bow formed by the folds of the mantle when it is drawn under the figure of the Child is to indicate the sky that is given to the earth. The three stars drawn on the head and shoulders of the Mother of God symbolize her virginity before (top), during (right shoulder) and after childbirth (left shoulder). In this case the Child is on the star after giving birth to indicate that he is already a child. The red icon border represents the Blood of Christ poured out for all men. We also note that this type of depiction is designated by the Russians as the “Madonna della Passione”, the theme is inspired by Simeone’s prophecy, according to which the sword of sorrow will pierce the heart of the Mother.

In the icon of the Holy Mary of Perpetual Assistance, we can contemplate, as in a mirror, the perfect model of the heavenly Father’s merciful gaze on the Son, aware of the danger and evil he would have faced and the inability to overcome him alone.