As the faithful prepare for the annual pilgrimage season, a quiet but significant act of devotion and preservation unfolded behind the scenes at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran.

On 10 May 2025, the revered icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was gently brought down from its altar — a moment that traditionally signals the start of pilgrimages, novenas, and processions in honor of the Blessed Virgin. But this year, the occasion also marked a crucial effort to conserve the sacred artwork that has drawn millions in prayer for generations.

In partnership with the Redemptorist community, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) stepped in to provide technical conservation assistance, ensuring that the centuries-old icon continues to inspire and bless future generations of devotees.

Leading the conservation initiative was NHCP Chairperson Ricky Jose, joined by Rommel R. Aquino, Chief of the Materials Research Conservation Division. This division — dedicated to the care of movable heritage — oversaw the mechanical removal of dust, frass, and particulate matter that had built up over decades.

“It’s not only about restoring the image to its visual dignity,” Jose explained. “It’s about preserving the historical, artistic, and spiritual significance of one of the country’s most beloved Marian icons.”

This conservation effort, while minor and non-invasive, serves as a vital preventive measure that extends the life of the artifact without compromising its original form. No solvents or harsh chemicals were used, respecting both the icon’s delicate materials and its deeply venerated status.

A moment of dialogue

The temporary removal of the icon also became a rare moment of reflection and conversation among key stakeholders — clergy, conservators, heritage professionals, and lay custodians alike. The group discussed long-term strategies for the icon’s preservation, striking a careful balance between public accessibility for veneration and the need for protective care.

NHCP experts also conducted a condition assessment of the icon’s circular retablo — its ornate frame and housing. They measured structural elements and offered recommendations for enhancing display safety and improving climate and lighting conditions, especially given the volume of pilgrims that pass through Baclaran Church every week.

The icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, long associated with healing, intercession, and unshakable faith, is believed to be a 15th-century Byzantine painting brought to the Philippines by Redemptorist missionaries. Housed at the Baclaran Church since 1948, it has become one of the most visited Marian shrines in Asia.