Not far from the city of Rome, in the small town of Genazzano, the image of Our Lady of Good Counsel is venerated. In the year 1467, a group of pilgrims who had come together to celebrate the feast of St Mark (yesterday), were surprised by sweet music. They saw what seemed like a little cloud, which descended and came to rest in front of the Church dedicated to the Mother of God. The picture which emerged shows Our Lady with her eyes partly veiled, as if in contemplation of God and taking counsel from Him. The Holy Child, in turn, looks upward to Mary as if to tell us to seek counsel from her, the Seat of Wisdom.

In the challenges of our time, let us turn to her, in trust and knowing that we will receive good counsel from her. May she pray for us, and may God bless you this day.