Facts about Nuestra Señora Del Pronto Socorro, Reina Del Pueblo De Buhi

Feast Day: January 8

The Golden Flowers on Our Lady of Prompt Succor’s Robe

The golden flowers and the title, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, symbolize Mary’s unique role in Christian theology, particularly as the “New Eve,” which echoes the pivotal theological concept in the Protoevangelium (the first gospel) found in Genesis 3:15. The Protoevangelium is the first hint of the Good News in the Bible, where God promises a savior to undo the damage caused by sin and death, initiated through the disobedience of Eve. This verse says: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

In this passage, God speaks to the serpent (Satan) after the fall of Adam and Eve, prophesying that a woman (Mary) and her offspring (Jesus Christ) would bring about victory over sin. This prophecy points to Mary, whose obedience (in contrast to Eve’s disobedience) becomes instrumental in bringing salvation to humanity through her role as the Mother of the Savior.

The golden flower is often used to represent purity, holiness, and divine perfection. These are the qualities of Mary, which also show that she was preserved from original sin at the very moment of her conception (the Immaculate Conception). It is a flower that represents the beauty and purity of the role of Mary in salvation because God chose her to bear the Savior. The golden color symbolizes the divinity of her role, making her the New Eve who reverses the effects of sin brought into the world by the first Eve. Her purity and holiness are seen as necessary for God’s plan of redemption.

The theological concept of Mary as the New Eve is significant because, while Eve’s disobedience introduced sin into the world, Mary’s obedience to God’s will, through her acceptance of the Annunciation (her fiat), played a central role in bringing salvation. This idea was emphasized by early Church Fathers such as St. Irenaeus, who noted that “the knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary”. Mary’s role as the New Eve is inseparable from her intercessory power as Our Lady of Prompt Succor. By accepting her role as the Mother of the Savior, she participates in God’s plan to undo the harm caused by sin, bringing immediate favors to those who call upon her.

Mary’s obedience and purity stands in contrast to Eve’s disobedience, restoring what was lost through sin and offering salvation to the world. Her role as the New Eve is highlighted in Genesis 3:15 (the Protoevangelium), where God foretells her role in the coming of the Savior. Her maternal care, presumed in the title, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, points out her participation in God’s plan of salvation.

Thus, the golden flowers and the title, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, not only express the maternal and intercessory role of Mary but also her theological significance as the New Eve, who fulfills the Protoevangelium’s prophecy that reverses the curse of sin and brings about salvation through her obedience and faith.

The Moon (Luna) and The Clouds Under the Feet of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

The book of Revelation says, “And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev. 12:1). By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity. Thus, she is a “preeminent and wholly unique member of the Church;” indeed, she is the “exemplary realization” of the Church. This emphasizes Mary’s obedience and holiness, which made her the perfect model of the Church (cf. CCC 967).

Reflection of Christ’s Light. The moon symbolizes Mary’s role in reflecting the light of her Son, Jesus Christ. Just as the moon shines brightly in the night, Our Lady of Prompt Succor brings Christ’s grace and guidance to those in darkness or distress. In her swiftness to assist, she acts as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path of those who seek her aid, much like the moon that provides light in the dark. Her prompt response to prayers ensures that the faithful are never left without the light of Christ’s love and mercy.

Symbol of Faith and Steadfastness. The moon’s consistent phases can remind us of Mary’s unwavering love and readiness to intercede, especially in moments of urgent need. As the Lady of Prompt Succor, she embodies faithfulness and reliability, a constant presence even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. The Our Lady of Prompt Succor highlights Mary’s intercession and immediate aid. The image of the moon under her feet can symbolize her power over worldly and temporal challenges, reinforcing her role as protector and helper in times of need, aligning with her depiction in Revelation 12:1.

Heavenly Realm. Stepping on the clouds is rich in symbolism as it reflects her heavenly role and her swift intercession for humanity. The clouds signify the divine and celestial sphere, emphasizing Mary’s closeness to God. Stepping on the clouds shows her exalted status as Queen of Heaven.

Divine Intervention. As clouds were used in Scripture to symbolize God’s guidance and presence (cf. Exodus 13:21), this image suggests Mary’s active role in bringing God’s help and grace to those who call on her.

Glory and Majesty. The soft, luminous clouds beneath her feet highlight her dignity and purity, reminding us of her Assumption into heaven, body and soul. Mary has the ability to bridge the gap between the divine and earthly realms, offering help and hope to the faithful. The Virgin Mary is “A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet.” The clouds complement this imagery, symbolizing her heavenly role (cf. Revelation 12:1). “The Immaculate Virgin was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things” (CCC 966). The clouds represent her glorification and connection to the divine majesty.

(Source: Parish of St Francis of Assisi - Buhi with various references including The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Lumen Gentium, Ad Caeli Reginam, and Adversus Haereses)