Marian Library

The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, held every April 26, is an important feast for the Augustinian order. In fact, the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, was one of the first places visited by Pope Leo XIV, who was from the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. Many popes have visited this shrine to pray for wisdom and guidance as they begin their duties.

Good Counsel at Cana

According to the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, “We note the ‘good counsel’ of Mary in several scenes of the Gospel, especially that of Cana, when the mother of Jesus says, ‘Do whatever he tells you’ (Jn. 2, 5).” This same Gospel passage is central to the Marianist charism. It is simple yet impactful guidance: Listen to Jesus. Do what he says.

Found in Marian Library Collections

Printed on a holy card in the Marian Library’s collections, this prayer was composed by Pope Leo XIII, Nov. 23, 1880:

“Most glorious Virgin, chosen by the eternal counsel to be the mother of the eternal Word made man, treasure-house of the divine graces and advocate of sinners; I, the most unworthy of thy servants, have recourse to thee, begging of thee to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me, through the most precious blood of thy divine Son, forgiveness of my sins, and the salvation of my soul with all the means necessary to secure it. Obtain for Holy Church triumph over her enemies and the extension of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ over the whole earth. Amen.”