Our Lady of Good Counsel: Guiding 40 Years of Service

For 40 years, Good Counsel Homes has provided care and support to homeless, pregnant mothers and their children, inspired by the patronage of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Her maternal love and wisdom have shaped our mission, offering guidance and hope to those in need.

Recently, the election of Pope Leo XIV has brought fresh attention to her influence. The Pope, whose Augustinian roots include a deep devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel, made her shrine in Genazzano, Italy, his first pilgrimage outside of Rome. His words during the visit—“I wanted so much to come here”—reflect the profound role she plays in his life, a role that resonates deeply with the heart of Good Counsel’s work.

The miraculous fresco of Our Lady of Good Counsel, which appeared in 1467 in Genazzano, depicts Mary holding the Christ Child with tender wisdom. The fresco is revered for its mysterious origins and enduring beauty, often attributed to divine intervention. It has become a source of comfort for countless faithful, including those we serve.

The Augustinian connection to Our Lady of Good Counsel is particularly meaningful. The fresco’s appearance in an Augustinian church highlights the order’s devotion to Mary as a mother of guidance and wisdom. This aligns with Saint Augustine’s emphasis on seeking divine counsel and truth, virtues embodied in Our Lady of Good Counsel.

At Good Counsel Homes, her example inspires us to provide more than material assistance. We offer compassion, encouragement, and the tools for a better future, always trusting in her intercession. Her presence is a reminder that every mother we serve is valued and loved, regardless of the challenges they face.

Pope Leo XIV’s devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel reflects the deep Marian spirituality of the Augustinian order. Augustinians view Mary not only as a model of discipleship but also as a source of wisdom and intercession. His pilgrimage to her shrine underscores her continued relevance as a guide for the Church and the world.

This shared devotion strengthens our resolve to serve as she would—offering hope, nurturing resilience, and leading others toward Christ.

As we celebrate 40 years of ministry, we are filled with gratitude for the ways Our Lady of Good Counsel has guided us. Her intercession has helped us transform the lives of mothers and children, giving them the confidence to face the future with faith.

With her continued guidance and the inspiration of Pope Leo XIV, we look forward to the next chapter of our mission, trusting in her wisdom as we walk alongside those in need.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

Ad multos annos, Holy Father!

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