It's fascinating to learn about the history of the devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel, which began in Gennazzano, Italy. The Augustinian church there, housing a miraculous picture of our Lady, has been a significant site for pilgrims for many years. In Canada, this feast is celebrated as an Optional Memorial.
The Feast of Saint Mark on April 25, 1467, was a day that the people of Genazzano, Italy would never forget. Witnessing the miraculous appearance of an image of Our Lady of Good Counsel and the Child Jesus in an ancient church was truly a sight to behold. The image, suspended on a paper-thin sheet, appeared after a cloud descended upon the church, leaving the community in awe of the divine intervention.The discovery that the same image had previously been seen in a church in Scutari, Albania, added to the mystery and wonder surrounding the miraculous event. The transportation of the image from Albania to Italy to protect it from potential sacrilege during a time of Moslem invasion only deepened the belief in the power of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The investigation ordered by Pope Paul II confirmed the authenticity of the image and the miracles attributed to it.
Throughout history, many miracles have been linked to Our Lady of Good Counsel, with various Popes acknowledging and approving the miraculous image. The continued devotion to the image, even after the destruction of parts of the church during World War II, is a testament to the enduring faith and belief in the intercession of Our Lady. The approval of special Masses and the Scapular of Our Lady of Good Counsel by different Popes further solidifies the significance of the miraculous image that has attracted pilgrims for over 500 years.
Patronage: for enlightenment; Catholic Women’s League of Canada; Missionary Sisters of Saint Peter Claver; Albania; diocese of Amargosa, Brazil; diocese of Essen, Germany, diocese of Sandhurst, Victoria; Amargosa, Brazil; Serroni, Contursi Terme, Italy
