Beneath Quito’s radiant sky stands Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro. It is more than just a church. It embodies faith and history.
Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro is located in the San Juan sector. You will find it at México n17-31 and Río de Janeiro. Its doors are open to all seeking solace. The Redemptorist religious order serves the parish.
Need assistance? Call 02 223 0503. Parish office hours are Monday through Friday. They are open from 3 PM to 6 PM. Stay connected. Visit their Facebook page. Look for parroquia.perpetuosocorroquito.5.
Mass times vary. Services occur Tuesday through Saturday at 8 AM and 7 PM. Sunday masses are at 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM and 6 PM.
The church’s name honors Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It is a Marian devotion with rich history. The original icon comes from Crete. It was venerated in Rome from the late 15th century. Since 1866, it has been at Rome’s Church of San Alfonso. The feast day is celebrated each June 27th.
The icon portrays Mary with the Child Jesus. He is watching angels. They show him instruments of his future Passion. The Child clutches his Mother’s hand. Mary cradles him. The image highlights Mary’s divine motherhood. It shows her care for Jesus.
Legend says a merchant acquired the icon in the 15th century. He sought to protect it. He sailed to Italy. A storm arose in the Mediterranean. The merchant held the icon high. He called for divine help. The sea calmed.
Arriving safely, he shared his story. He predicted the Virgin would be venerated. Later, he asked a friend to place the icon in a church. The friend delayed due to his wife’s fondness for the painting.
The Virgin appeared in dreams. She urged him to fulfill the promise. He fell ill and died. The apparitions then visited his daughter. The icon was eventually placed in the Church of San Mateo. It survived destruction, thanks to an Augustine priest.
The Redemptorists built the Church of San Alfonso on the ruins. They placed the icon there. It remains there today. People worldwide know and revere its image.
Many seek her help. One prayer asks for the grace to invoke her name always. Another seeks financial help. It recognizes her as a source of perpetual help.
Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro is more than bricks and mortar. It is a testament to faith. It is a place of community. Its history is woven into Quito’s heart. Remember its story as you continue your journey.