Our Lady of Prompt Succor
This painting depicts Our Lady of Prompt Succor, whose devotion began in 1810 when Mother St. Michel Gensoul brought the original statue to New Orleans. The title "Prompt Succor," meaning "Quick Help," originated from Mother St. Michel's prayer for swift papal permission to join the Ursuline sisters in New Orleans during Napoleon's imprisonment of the Pope.
The Ursuline sisters' deep connection with Our Lady of Prompt Succor was strengthened through two remarkable interventions. In 1812, when a devastating fire threatened their convent, Sister St. Anthony placed a statue of Our Lady in the window while praying "Our Lady of Prompt Succor, we are lost if you do not come to our aid," after which the wind miraculously changed direction, sparing the convent. Later, during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, the Ursulines prayed through the night before her statue for American victory. Despite being vastly outnumbered, General Andrew Jackson's forces triumphed in just 30 minutes.
The devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor was officially recognized when Pope Pius IX authorized public devotion in 1851, and in 1928, she was declared the patroness of New Orleans and Louisiana. Today, the Ursuline sisters continue their centuries-old tradition of gathering faithful petitions at her shrine, maintaining a legacy of prayer and intercession that spans over two centuries.
This interpretation of Our Lady of Prompt Succor demonstrates the artists inspiration through its dramatic use of light and shadow. Jacob employs a striking contrast between the luminous golden robes and the dark, stormy background. The painting's composition draws the eye upward through the flowing lines of Mary's golden garments, while the turquoise details in her crown create a subtle but regal accent against her veil. Jacob captures the intimate moment between Mother and Child, with Mary's gentle expression conveying both tenderness, concern and faith as she cradles the infant Jesus. The background tells its own story through expressive brushstrokes depicting the convent surrounded in flames, with moonlight breaking through turbulent clouds, creating an atmospheric scene that echoes the historical fire of 1812. The reflection of the flames on the water adds depth and drama to the composition. The painting's shows the careful modeling of the figures, the subtle play of light on the fabric folds, and the dynamic brushwork that brings energy to the threatening sky.
"O Most Holy Virgin Mary, if you obtain a prompt and favorable answer to my letter, I promise to have you honored in New Orleans under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor."
Her Feast is January 8.
This painting depicts Our Lady of Prompt Succor, whose devotion began in 1810 when Mother St. Michel Gensoul brought the original statue to New Orleans. The title "Prompt Succor," meaning "Quick Help," originated from Mother St. Michel's prayer for swift papal permission to join the Ursuline sisters in New Orleans during Napoleon's imprisonment of the Pope.
The Ursuline sisters' deep connection with Our Lady of Prompt Succor was strengthened through two remarkable interventions. In 1812, when a devastating fire threatened their convent, Sister St. Anthony placed a statue of Our Lady in the window while praying "Our Lady of Prompt Succor, we are lost if you do not come to our aid," after which the wind miraculously changed direction, sparing the convent. Later, during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, the Ursulines prayed through the night before her statue for American victory. Despite being vastly outnumbered, General Andrew Jackson's forces triumphed in just 30 minutes.
The devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor was officially recognized when Pope Pius IX authorized public devotion in 1851, and in 1928, she was declared the patroness of New Orleans and Louisiana. Today, the Ursuline sisters continue their centuries-old tradition of gathering faithful petitions at her shrine, maintaining a legacy of prayer and intercession that spans over two centuries.
This interpretation of Our Lady of Prompt Succor demonstrates the artists inspiration through its dramatic use of light and shadow. Jacob employs a striking contrast between the luminous golden robes and the dark, stormy background. The painting's composition draws the eye upward through the flowing lines of Mary's golden garments, while the turquoise details in her crown create a subtle but regal accent against her veil. Jacob captures the intimate moment between Mother and Child, with Mary's gentle expression conveying both tenderness, concern and faith as she cradles the infant Jesus. The background tells its own story through expressive brushstrokes depicting the convent surrounded in flames, with moonlight breaking through turbulent clouds, creating an atmospheric scene that echoes the historical fire of 1812. The reflection of the flames on the water adds depth and drama to the composition. The painting's shows the careful modeling of the figures, the subtle play of light on the fabric folds, and the dynamic brushwork that brings energy to the threatening sky.
"O Most Holy Virgin Mary, if you obtain a prompt and favorable answer to my letter, I promise to have you honored in New Orleans under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor."
Her Feast is January 8.
This painting depicts Our Lady of Prompt Succor, whose devotion began in 1810 when Mother St. Michel Gensoul brought the original statue to New Orleans. The title "Prompt Succor," meaning "Quick Help," originated from Mother St. Michel's prayer for swift papal permission to join the Ursuline sisters in New Orleans during Napoleon's imprisonment of the Pope.
The Ursuline sisters' deep connection with Our Lady of Prompt Succor was strengthened through two remarkable interventions. In 1812, when a devastating fire threatened their convent, Sister St. Anthony placed a statue of Our Lady in the window while praying "Our Lady of Prompt Succor, we are lost if you do not come to our aid," after which the wind miraculously changed direction, sparing the convent. Later, during the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, the Ursulines prayed through the night before her statue for American victory. Despite being vastly outnumbered, General Andrew Jackson's forces triumphed in just 30 minutes.
The devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor was officially recognized when Pope Pius IX authorized public devotion in 1851, and in 1928, she was declared the patroness of New Orleans and Louisiana. Today, the Ursuline sisters continue their centuries-old tradition of gathering faithful petitions at her shrine, maintaining a legacy of prayer and intercession that spans over two centuries.
This interpretation of Our Lady of Prompt Succor demonstrates the artists inspiration through its dramatic use of light and shadow. Jacob employs a striking contrast between the luminous golden robes and the dark, stormy background. The painting's composition draws the eye upward through the flowing lines of Mary's golden garments, while the turquoise details in her crown create a subtle but regal accent against her veil. Jacob captures the intimate moment between Mother and Child, with Mary's gentle expression conveying both tenderness, concern and faith as she cradles the infant Jesus. The background tells its own story through expressive brushstrokes depicting the convent surrounded in flames, with moonlight breaking through turbulent clouds, creating an atmospheric scene that echoes the historical fire of 1812. The reflection of the flames on the water adds depth and drama to the composition. The painting's shows the careful modeling of the figures, the subtle play of light on the fabric folds, and the dynamic brushwork that brings energy to the threatening sky.
"O Most Holy Virgin Mary, if you obtain a prompt and favorable answer to my letter, I promise to have you honored in New Orleans under the title of Our Lady of Prompt Succor."
Her Feast is January 8.