Introduction

As we look forward to the month of May, we look to Our Lady, the crown of creation, our solace and hope, for a renewal of our relationship with Christ, healing for the world, and a repentant heart, returning to the Father. United to her heart, which was so united to her Son’s, there is no suffering we cannot endure, no trials we cannot bear, since the cause of our joy and hope, has given us such a wonderful Savior, Christ.

To help prepare our hearts for our 100th Anniversary as a parish, 70th as a school, as well as to honor Our Lady as and earth, please see the suggested opportunities leading up to the feast of Our ​ ​ Lady of Good Counsel (April 26th).

Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel

(Mater Boni Consilii)

Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears.

Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it.

In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Preparations

● Read about the miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Counsel. ​ ● Pick a date for a 33 day family retreat culminating in a consecration to Jesus through Our Lady. ​ ​ ● Create a Marian Altar (click on link to learn more). It is a great way for your family to honor Our Lady ​ ​ for the month of May.

Saturday, April 18th: Day 1 of to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Downloadable Coloring Story Book of Our Lady’s life ​ ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your ; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Sunday, April 19th: Day 2 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Prepare a Marian Garden ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Monday, April 20th: Day 3 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Pray the in a creative way. ​ ​ ​

Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Tuesday, April 21st: Day 4 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Learn a new Marian Song to sing with your family. ​ ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Wednesday, April 22nd: Day 5 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Ideas for making Marian Crowns. ​ ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Thursday, April 23rd: Day 6 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: OLGC School DAAD’s Rosary @ 8:30AM via Zoom ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Friday, April 24th: Day 7 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Faith Friday Family Movie Night - check out Formed Movies for teens or for youngsters. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Saturday, April 25th: Day 8 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Gather flowers for your Marian Altar. Find some ideas and explanations here. ​ ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Sunday, April 26th: Day 9 of Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​

Activity: Try a recipe for a Marian Feast of Biblical proportions! ​ ​ ​ Morning Prayer: Morning Offering ​ ​

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, sufferings of this day, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart; the salvation of souls, the reparation for sin, the reunion of Christians; and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month.

Additional morning prayer: Magnificat ​

Midday Prayer: Recite Regina Coeli / Queen of Heaven ​ ​ ​ Or sing Latin Chant with lyrics and sheet music ​ ​ V: Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.

R: For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.

V: Has risen as He said. Alleluia.

R: Pray for us to God. Alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.

R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer: Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel ​ ​ ​ Most Glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces, and the advocate of sinners, I, thy most unworthy servant, have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for Holy Mother the Church victory over her enemies, and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.