On 2 October 2014, Cardinal Vincent Nichols took possession of his titular church in Rome, Santissimo Redentore e Sant’Alfonso in Via Merulana. Sant’Alfonso is home to the famous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (or Perpetual Help) which has been widely reproduced.
In his homily Cardinal Vincent reflected on his previous connections with the Church and Shrine. He reflected on the importance of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in his life, and our own lives:
‘The deepest link I feel with San Alfonso is, of course, with the icon and shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. This is an icon and a devotion of my youngest days. In our home, as in many homes, there was a copy of this icon, a focus of prayer and reassurance. I now have a copy in my Office in Archbishop's House and one newly installed in our Cathedral.’
‘This i
con, then, helps us to find our place in God's great mystery of salvation. It draws us to see the almost incredible: that through our suffering and pain, whatever form it may take, we can become part of this great work of Jesus. We can unite our sufferings with his and offer them to the Father.’
The full text of the Cardinal's homily can be read here.
