Abbey-Roads2

Our Lady of Good Counsel
Feast day April 26

The Miraculous image. 

The original icon is in Genazzano Italy. It was transported miraculously by angels from Scutari in Albania. It was originally a fresco in a Church there when the Moslems were invading the area. It was rescued by angels, transported by angels and landed in an Augustinian Church. It remains there to this day.

It is a ‘living’ miracle because it is actually suspended in a niche, without support – a thread can be passed around the entire piece – there is no support! In addition, it is a very thin layer of fresco – that is plaster – and it never has been damaged. Existing miraculous images and shrines that come to mind that are comparable to this one are the Holy House of Loreto, the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Shroud of Turin. It’s an ongoing miracle.

This title of Our Lady is so dear, she is the spouse of the Holy Spirit and one of His gifts is the gift of counsel. Let us ask Our Lady to grant to us this gift and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

Narrative:

“It was found that the painting was executed not upon wood, or canvas, or metal, but upon a thin layer of plaster of porcelain texture and thickness—the thickness of an eggshell. No human skill could have detached it whole and entire from another wall, much less have transported it and placed it in its new location. This wafer-like sheet of plaster stands upright, with no support of any kind except the narrow ledge it rests upon.

”For well over five hundred years, this extraordinary phenomenon has remained unchanged, defying the law of gravity. Although it is now enshrined behind glass in a golden reliquary adorned with precious stones, at no place is this fragile painting supported or touched except at the base. The Commission found it possible to pass a thread in the front of the Icon around the top, down the back from top to bottom, proving there is no visible support.

During the Second World War a bomb fell through the sanctuary roof demolishing the high altar and causing terrible damage. The sacred picture was untouched, though only a few yards away. So Our Lady of Good Counsel continues to reign among her beloved of Genazzano and all who would seek her help and counsel which she, the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, is so desirous to share with her children. -OL Good Council

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During these days when the West and Christianity itself is assailed by militant Islamic extremists we would do well to have recourse to Our Lady of Good Counsel and ask her to deliver us from terrorism and war. Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.