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In an age when we’re constantly seeking advice—from friends, therapists, life coaches, and countless self-help books—Catholics have long turned to a celestial counselor whose wisdom surpasses all earthly guidance. Our Lady of Good Counsel isn’t just another beautiful title for Mary; it’s rooted in one of the most remarkable Marian apparitions in Church history, involving an image that literally appeared out of thin air and has captivated pilgrims for more than five centuries.
The Miracle at Genazzano
The story begins on April 25, 1467, in the small Italian town of Genazzano, near Rome. At the Church of Santa Maria, a remarkable event occurred that would transform this humble church into a major pilgrimage site. A fresco depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child miraculously appeared on the wall of the church. But this wasn’t simply a painting that someone had created overnight—witnesses reported that the image materialized before their eyes, accompanied by the sound of heavenly music.
What makes this image even more extraordinary is its physical nature. The fresco is painted on a thin piece of plaster, less than half an inch thick, and according to numerous investigations over the centuries, it appears to be suspended without any physical attachment to the wall behind it. There’s a small gap between the image and the wall, yet it has remained in place for over 550 years, defying natural explanation.
A Widow’s Faith Rewarded
The appearance of the image wasn’t random. The church was being rebuilt by a devout widow named Petruccia, who had spent her entire life savings on the restoration project. When her funds ran out, she was mocked by townspeople who doubted the church would ever be completed. But Petruccia maintained her faith, trusting that the Blessed Mother would provide.
When the miraculous image appeared, pilgrims flooded to Genazzano, and their donations allowed the church to be finished. The widow’s faith had been vindicated in the most spectacular way possible. This element of the story reminds us that Our Lady of Good Counsel doesn’t just offer spiritual guidance—she provides for those who trust in her intercession.
The Meaning Behind the Title
The title “Mother of Good Counsel” speaks to Mary’s unique role in guiding souls toward Christ. In the fresco, Mary and Jesus are depicted with their heads inclined toward each other in an intimate, loving pose—a visual representation of the perfect counsel that flows from complete union with God’s will. Mary, who pondered all things in her heart and perfectly discerned God’s plan, becomes our guide in seeking His will for our own lives.
Throughout Scripture and Church teaching, Mary is presented as the one who leads us to Jesus. At the wedding at Cana, her advice was simple but profound: “Do whatever he tells you.” This is the essence of good counsel—not just wise words, but guidance that ultimately points us toward Christ and helps us conform our lives to God’s plan.
A Devotion for Our Times
In our modern world, where we face countless decisions each day and are bombarded with conflicting advice from every direction, the devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel offers something different: access to heavenly wisdom through the intercession of the Mother of God. Catholics invoke her help when making important life decisions, seeking clarity in times of confusion, navigating moral dilemmas, or simply trying to discern God’s will in everyday matters.
The devotion has spread far beyond Genazzano. Churches, schools, parishes, and religious communities around the world bear the name of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The Augustinian Order, which has served as custodians of the shrine in Genazzano for centuries, has been instrumental in promoting this devotion globally.
Celebrating Our Lady of Good Counsel
The Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel on April 26, the day after the miraculous appearance of the image. The shrine in Genazzano continues to attract pilgrims from around the world, and the image—still miraculously suspended—remains a powerful sign of Mary’s maternal care for her children.
We invite you to join us in a Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel by clicking on the prayer link below, or by going to our website or YouTube channel. Whether you’re facing a major life decision, seeking guidance in your spiritual journey, or simply need wisdom for daily challenges, Our Lady of Good Counsel stands ready to intercede for you. Her counsel is always the same: draw closer to her Son, trust in God’s providence, and open your heart to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel
