From that day the popular devotion towards the holy Picture has spread all over the world; and by means of it the Blessed Virgin has bestowed many graces on her devout clients. The Chapter of St. Peter's crowned the holy Image with a golden diadem, on the 23rd of June 1867.

TRIDUO.

FIRST DAY.

Behold at thy feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help! a miserable sinner who has recourse to thee, and confides in thee. O Mother of Mercy, have pity on me. I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners; be then my refuge and my hope. Assist me for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable wretch, who has fallen and who recommends himself to thee, and who consecrates himself to be thy servant forever. I bless and thank Almighty God, Who, by His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation. It is true, that in past times I have miserably fallen into sin, because I had not recourse to thee. I know that with thy help I will be able to conquer. I know, too, that thou wilt assist me if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that in the time of danger I may neglect to call on thee, and thus lose my soul. The grace, therefore, which I ask of thee, and for which I beg with all the fervor of my soul, is that in all the attacks of hell, I may ever have recourse to thee, and say to thee: O Mary, help me; O Mother of Perpetual Help, never permit me to lose my God.

Five Hail Marys.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who has given us Thine own Mother Mary, whose glorious image we venerate, to be our Mother ever ready to come to our help; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, unceasingly imploring her motherly help, may merit always to experience the fruit of Thy Redemption, Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.