Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel
17-25 April
April 17
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O Mary, my mother, I humbly beseech you to counsel me as I begin this novena of prayerful petition. I fly to your protection, O holy Mother of God. You are the defence of all Christians, the Seat of Wisdom, the Mother of Good Counsel.
You know, most holy virgin, how much I require your all-powerful aid. Guard me from the evils that afflict me; heal my wounds; relieve my wants and miseries. Obtain for me strength and courage to bear the trials and temptations of life. O Virgin most prudent, help me to persevere until death in the love of God.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 18
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O most holy Virgin, Cause of our joy, you were chosen by the Blessed Trinity to be the Mother of the Word made Flesh. You alone were conceived Immaculate; you always remained faithful to the indwelling Holy Ghost. Every moment of your life you were "full of grace".
O Mary Immaculate, I gratefully acknowledge the countless joys you have gained for me the happiness I have found in my Faith; the contentment in prayer; the security of your protection. As I make known my petitions in this novena, I promise always to revere you as the Treasure of divine grace.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 19
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O Mary, Refuge of sinner, you are our life, our sweetness, our hope. It has never been heard that anyone ever sought your help and was rejected. Amid the uncertainties of life I turn to you; with aching hear I seek your comfort and counsel.
No one can ever number the favours you have granted; the tears you have tried, the needs you have supplied, the sickness you have cured, the petitions you have answered. O Mother of Mercy, hear my prayers and grant my requests.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 20
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O Virgin most renowned, you are our advocate at the Throne of Mercy. By your intercession with your divine Son you have saved us from the punishment we deserve for our sins. You have obtained for us mercy and pardon.
To you I turn, imploring your aid. O gentle and loving Mother. Pity me in my misery; help me in my needs; give me good counsel. To you I pour forth my petitions in this novena, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 21
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O Virgin Mary, Queen of Martyrs, I thank you for the consolation you have given me in times of sorrow and anxiety. I bring to mind the great suffering you so patiently endured. In the Temple as you offered your Divine Son, you heard the words of the prophet: "Your own soul a sword of sorrow shall pierce". Standing at Calvary you compassionated your dying Son. The lance which opened His Sacred Heart was the sword which pierced your soul.
I am deeply sorry for my sins which caused your Son to suffer such a cruel Passion and Death. O compassionate Mother, help me in my hours of suffering and tribulation; counsel me to unite my sufferings with the Cross of Christ; teach me to draw from His Passion the strength to bear my cross daily and so to atone for my sins.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 22
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O Mother of Good Counsel, Star of the Sea, to you I turn for light to guide my uncertain steps through life. Throughout the world, in every land, your picture is venerated. Your gracious image is given an honoured place in countless homes. So many people, in prayerful petition, have obtained from you good counsel.
O Virgin most faithful, renew in my heart the joy of true devotion to you May your counsel enlighten the darkness of my mind and safeguard me from the misery of sin.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 23
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O Mother most admirable, I recall the wondrous gifts of grace and healing which have occurred at your shrine in Genazzano. For five hundred years there has been the constant testimony of grateful clients. To countless multitudes who have knelt before your picture health has been restored, afflictions have been removed, peace of mind restored, faith has been strengthened, repentance for sin granted.
Beloved Mother of Good Counsel, be mindful of the favours you have granted to others. Listen to the prayers I humbly pour forth. Protect me from the dangers that surround me; keep me secure under your protection.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 24
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O most glorious Virgin, Mother of my Redeemer, I rejoice that I can call upon your protection. Your great desire is to be my counsellor in the urgent matter of my eternal salvation. Kindly receive me, O Consoler of the Afflicted; awaken in me a spirit of true repentance; entice me towards perfection; comfort me in my sorrows; remove from me all doubts; draw me nearer to your Divine Son.
Today I implore you to heed my prayers. Obtain from Jesus pardon for my sins. Show yourself a mother unto me; counsel me to become a true child of yours. May He, through you, receive my prayer Who, for love of me became your Son.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.
April 25
Madonna with Vetch Flower, Meister Wilhelm von Köln, copy.
The Art of Christianity Collection. AP00013. Used with Permission.
O most glorious Queen of Heaven and earth, with joy I gaze upon your renowned picture. In your arms you lovingly enfold the Divine infant, your head turned tenderly towards Him. Safely He nestles in the protections of your embrace. From Him you draw all knowledge and counsel.
In union with all who venerate you at your shrine in Genazzano I gratefully praise God for the gift of this picture. While I mention my petitions in this novena, I promise to heed your counsel and to be fully reconciled to God's Will. I shall always strive to prove myself to be a true child of yours. O Help of Christians, give me your counsel; in life and in death assist me, O merciful mother.
O Mary, most blessed Virgin, Mother of Good Counsel,
may the blessing of your Son come upon me.
Ave Maria x 3.
Let us pray:
Remember, O Immaculate Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, that it has never been heard of in any age that such as had recourse to thee, imploring thy help and seeking thy powerful intercession, were ever rejected or refused or abandoned. Inspired with the like hope and confidence, I fly to thee, O Mary, Virgin Mother of Good Counel, and my Mother; before thy shrine I come, casting myself on my unworthiness. O Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, obtain for me, through the whole course of my life, all the graces and blessings I more require, from the Sacred and Adorable Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, O Virgin Mother of Good Counsel, reject not my petitions, but mercifully hear and answer me.
Amen.
Concluding Prayer:
Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Council to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made Flesh, treasure of divine grace and advocate of sinner, I, the most unworthy of thy servants, supplicate thee to be my guide and counsellor in this valley of tears. Obtain for me, by the Most Precious Blood of thy Son, pardon for my sins, the salvation of my soul and the necessary means to secure it. Grant that the Holy Catholic Church may triumph over her enemies, and that the Kingdom of Christ may be propagated on earth.
Amen.