Shrine to Our Mother of Good Counsel

Feast Day 26th April

Worldwde, Augustinian churches are graced with shrines to Mary, Our Mother of Good Counsel, that centre on an appealing image of Mother and Child. The original fresco from which they draw their inspiration is venerated in the Augustinian church in the Italian town of Genazzano, some fifty kilometres east of Rome. Here pilgrims come from all over the world. These have included many saintly people.

Tradition traces the origin of this beautiful image back to 25th April 1467, and tells of wonders associated with it from the beginning. Down the centuries it has been honoured by the Popes who have come on pilgrimage, among them blessed John XXIII and John Paul II. Earlier, Pope Leo XIII was devoted to the image and had the invocation “Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us” added to the Litany of Loreto. (Augustinian Missal).

Mother of Good Counsel

The Mother of Good Counsel shrine is situated at the top of the right aisle, beside the entrance to the sacristy.

Prayer to Mary Mother of Good Counsel

We turn to you, our Mother of Good Counsel
as we seek to imitate your faith filled life.
May we be lead by the same Wisdom
which God sent forth from heaven to guide you
along unfamiliar paths and
through challenging decisions.
Intercede for us with your Son
as we go forward joyful in hope,
seeking to be united in mind and heart
on our way to God.
O Virgin of Good Counsel
hear our prayer as we look for guidance,
Pray for us to our loving and merciful Father,
to your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
and to the Holy Spirit,
giver of all Wisdom,
one God forever and ever.

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