Contrary to popular belief, the Perpetual Help Novena did not originate in Baclaran but at the Redemptorist Church dedicated to Saint Clement Hofbauer in La Paz, Iloilo City celebrated on May 6, 1946. After witnessing the devotion of the Ilonggos to the icon, the Australian Redemptorist Rev. Fr. Gerard O'Donnell, introduced the novena to Baclaran. Linguist Rev. Fr. Leo J. English, C.Ss.R. conducted the first Baclaran Novena with 70 participants on Wednesday, June 23, 1948, giving rise to Wednesday's local moniker of "Baclaran Day".