This week marked the feast day of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Our Lady of Good Counsel is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, after a painting, that is said to be miraculous. It is now found in a church in Genazzano, near Rome, Italy.

The sanctuary of Our Mother of Good Counsel, tells the story of Mary’s care and concern for her human family. At the close of a festival, a cloud descended upon the ancient 5th-century deteriorated church, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the cloud disappeared, the festive crowd found a small, fragile image of the Blessed Virgin and child on a thin sheet of plaster. The painting is said to have hung in mid-air, suspended without support, floating, on a small ledge.

Much of the church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was destroyed in World War II, but the image remained intact and in place. The miraculous image is still there today after more than 500 years. Countless miracles have been attributed to the prayerful intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Over the centuries, devotions to her have spread throughout the world.

At Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School, we spent the day honouring our namesake. We started with Mass, led by Father Trac; followed by a sausage sizzle lunch and finishing with activities in buddy classes. The whole school learnt a new hymn in honour of Mary ‘Hail Mary, Gentle Woman’, supported by the choir.

Thanks to our parent volunteers who generously gave their time to cook and serve lunch. And of course, our fabulous teachers, who planned lots of fun activities to help us celebrate.

We had a lovely day celebrating Mary as a school community.

By Hayley Dustow