Through the generosity of William Haupt, MD, in memory of his wife Joan Ann Pancoe Haupt, St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Nesquehoning was able to purchase the icon known as “Mary, the Helper of Mothers.”

The Helper of Mothers is a very rare image. There are two styles of this icon. The older version is unique among icons in that the Virgin Mary’s hair is completely uncovered and falls down onto her shoulders.

It is known also as “The Word Made Flesh” and Mary’s hands are in prayer around the mandala of glory which encompasses the Infant.

The second style emerged in the 19th century, and Mary is veiled. Here, the Infant is lying on a white cloth, and Mary holds the cloth at its corner. Her veil is white, while her robes are the traditional red and blue.

The infant Jesus is either in a white mandala of purity, or on a white swaddling cloth.

In both of these styles of the Helper of Mothers, the Virgin Mary is praying and looking directly at the believer.

The Helper of Mothers Icon is used for women who are having difficulty conceiving, or for help in a difficult pregnancy or hard childbirth.

Many great miracles are connected with this icon. This icon will stay at St. Mary’s parish.

To visit the icon and pray in front of it, you could do so during our weekend services hours, Sundays at 10:30 a.m., or by calling the parish office at 570-645-2640 for additional times.