Our Lady of Good Counsel

Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Monica: Finding Peace

From Anxiety to Peace:

Spiritual Discernment with Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Monica

Our Lady of Good Counsel

In a world that often feels like it’s spiraling into chaos, where decisions weigh heavy and the noise of modern life drowns out the still, small voice of God, we Catholics are not left to flounder. We have anchors—timeless guides in the form of saints and Marian devotions—that pull us back to clarity, to peace, to purpose. At Journeys of Faith, we’ve spent over four decades diving deep into these spiritual treasures, unearthing the stories and wisdom of holy figures who’ve walked the path before us. Founded by Bob and Penny Lord in 1980 after their life-changing encounter with the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, our mission as a Catholic non-profit has always been to evangelize, to illuminate, and to draw souls closer to the Eucharist, the “source and summit” of our faith.

Today, we turn our gaze to two extraordinary intercessors: Our Lady of Good Counsel, whose maternal guidance cuts through the fog of uncertainty, and Saint Monica, the relentless prayer warrior whose tears and tenacity birthed a saint. These two figures aren’t just historical curiosities—they’re living forces, ready to companion us through the storms of anxiety into the calm of divine will. As loyal stewards of the Catholic Magisterium and the evangelization arm of the Cloistered Augustinian Nuns in Montefalco, Italy, we at Journeys of Faith are here to unpack their stories, their power, and their relevance for you, the faithful seeker. Whether you’re wrestling with a life-altering decision or simply yearning for a deeper connection to Christ, this journey into spiritual discernment offers a roadmap, grounded in orthodox teaching and Augustinian spirituality. Let’s step forward together, trusting in the intercession of Our Lady and the perseverance of Saint Monica, to find the peace that surpasses understanding.

The Weight of Modern Anxiety in a Faith Context

Let’s face it: the modern world is a pressure cooker. Between the endless scroll of bad news, the grind of daily responsibilities, and the quiet, gnawing fear that we’re not measuring up—whether to society’s standards or even our own— anxiety has become a near-constant companion for so many of us. It’s not just a personal struggle; it’s a cultural epidemic, seeping into every corner of our lives, even our spiritual ones. As Catholics, we’re not immune to this. We carry the same burdens, the same sleepless nights, wondering if we’re making the right choices for our families, our careers, or our souls. But here’s where faith offers something the world can’t: a framework to wrestle with that anxiety, to name it, and to hand it over.

In the context of Catholic teaching, anxiety isn’t just a mental health challenge—it’s a call to deeper trust in God’s providence. The Magisterium reminds us, through Scripture and tradition, that we are not meant to bear these burdens alone. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Easier said than done, right? Yet, this is where the intercession of figures like Our Lady of Good Counsel becomes a lifeline. Known as the Mother of Good Counsel, she embodies the wisdom and maternal care we so desperately need when life feels like a maze of impossible decisions. She points us toward her Son, urging us to trust even when the path ahead is foggy.

And then there’s the example of Saint Monica, a woman who knew the ache of worry all too well. For years, she agonized over her son Augustine’s wayward life, watching him chase empty philosophies and sinful pleasures. Her anxiety wasn’t abstract; it was raw, personal, the kind of fear only a parent can know. Yet, she didn’t let it consume her. She turned it into relentless prayer, tears, and fasting, entrusting her pain to God. Her faithfulness—rooted in a stubborn hope—eventually saw Augustine’s conversion, and with it, the birth of one of the Church’s greatest theologians. Monica shows us that anxiety, when offered to God, can become a catalyst for grace.

This isn’t to say that faith magically erases our struggles. The weight of modern life—financial stress, societal division, personal doubts—still presses down. But through the lens of Catholic spirituality, we’re invited to see anxiety not as an endpoint, but as a doorway. It’s a chance to lean on the wisdom of Our Lady of Good Counsel, to mirror the persevera

Call to Action: Embark on a Spiritual Journey with Journeys of Faith

Hey there, fellow seekers of the divine! If the stories of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Monica have stirred something deep in your soul, it’s time to take the next step. At Journeys of Faith, we’re not just about reading or watching—we’re about living the faith. Founded by Bob and Penny Lord, our mission is to guide you closer to the Eucharist and the heart of Catholic teaching through media, pilgrimages, and sacred resources. Here’s how you can join us on this transformative path:

  • Dive into Our Media Library: Explore our vast collection of books, DVDs, and streaming content on saints and Marian devotion, crafted with decades of firsthand research.

  • Join a Pilgrimage: Walk in the footsteps of the holy with our acclaimed pilgrimages, designed to ignite your faith.

  • Shop Sacred Treasures: Visit our Catholic gift shop for statues, medals, and prayer cards to enrich your spiritual life.

  • Connect with Our Mission: Support our evangelization efforts and stay updated on resources to deepen your practice.

Let’s journey together toward peace and discernment. Visit Journeys of Faith today and let the legacy of Bob and Penny Lord inspire your next step in faith!

Introducing Our Lady of Good Counsel as a Heavenly Guide

Introducing Our Lady of Good Counsel as a Heavenly Guide

In the quiet corners of Catholic devotion, where the faithful seek solace amid life’s storms, there shines a beacon of divine wisdom: Our Lady of Good Counsel. Her title alone evokes a promise—a motherly assurance that we are not alone in our struggles, that there is a heavenly guide ready to intercede with clarity and grace. Her story, rooted in the miraculous and wrapped in mystery, begins in the 15th century in Genazzano, Italy, where an ancient fresco of the Virgin Mary and Child appeared on the wall of a crumbling church, as if painted by unseen hands. This image, believed to have been transported by angels from Albania during a time of persecution, became a source of endless inspiration, a tangible sign of Mary’s protective gaze over her children.

Our Lady of Good Counsel is not merely an icon to admire; she is a spiritual compass for the anxious heart. In a world often clouded by confusion, where decisions weigh heavy and the path ahead seems obscured, her intercession offers discernment—a gift of heavenly insight to cut through the noise. She stands as a reminder of Mary’s role as the first disciple, the one who pondered God’s will in her heart and surrendered to it with unwavering trust. When we turn to her in prayer, we are invited to do the same: to lay our uncertainties at her feet and trust that she will guide us toward God’s perfect plan.

Her devotion, deeply cherished within the Augustinian tradition, speaks to the soul’s longing for peace. The image of Our Lady of Good Counsel, with the Christ Child nestled close, gazing into her eyes, reveals an intimate bond—a dialogue of love and trust. It’s a powerful visual for us, a call to approach her with childlike faith, knowing she will counsel us as she counseled her Son. Whether we face personal trials, family discord, or the broader challenges of living out our faith in a skeptical age, her presence reassures us that God’s wisdom is accessible through her maternal heart.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that invoking Our Lady of Good Counsel is not a passive act. It’s a deliberate step into a relationship with the Mother of God, who desires to lead us closer to her Son. Through novenas, rosaries, or even a quiet moment before her image, we open ourselves to her gentle direction, trusting that she sees the full tapestry of our lives—even the threads we cannot yet discern. In her, we find not just counsel, but a pathway from anxiety to the peace that surpasses understanding.

Saint Monica’s Journey from Worry to Trust

Let’s dive into the raw, human struggle of Saint Monica, a mother whose heart was torn apart by anxiety over her son Augustine’s wayward path. This isn’t just a dusty old saint story—it’s a gut-punch of relentless faith, the kind that claws through despair to find peace. Monica, a devout Christian in a North African world of clashing beliefs, watched her brilliant but rebellious son spiral into a life of hedonism and heresy, seduced by the Manichean sect. Her worry wasn’t just a fleeting nag; it was a bone-deep ache, a fear that his soul was slipping into eternal darkness.

But Monica didn’t just wring her hands and lament. She fought. She prayed with a ferocity that could move mountains, fasting and weeping before God, begging for Augustine’s conversion. Her tears weren’t weakness—they were weapons. She sought counsel from bishops, one of whom famously told her, “The child of those tears will never perish.” That line hits hard; it’s a promise she clung to like a lifeline. Monica’s journey wasn’t passive waiting—it was active, desperate trust in God’s timing, even when every sign pointed to hopeless ruin.

Her persistence mirrored a spiritual discernment we’re all called to: distinguishing God’s voice from the noise of our fears. Monica learned to surrender her anxiety, not by ignoring it, but by laying it at the feet of the Lord, trusting that He could redeem even the most lost of causes. Her story, paired with the guidance of Our Lady of Good Counsel, shows us how to navigate life’s chaos—through prayer, patience, and an unshakable belief that God’s wisdom surpasses our limited sight. Monica’s worry transformed into trust, a slow burn of faith that eventually saw Augustine not just return to the Church, but become one of its greatest doctors. Her path reminds us that peace isn’t the absence of struggle, but the presence of surrender to God’s will.

The Augustinian Path to Interior Peace

In the quiet of the soul, where the clamor of worldly anxieties often drowns out the whisper of grace, the Augustinian path offers a lifeline—a way to navigate the storms of life with the steady compass of spiritual discernment. This tradition, rooted in the profound teachings of St. Augustine, speaks directly to the restless heart, echoing his timeless confession: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” For those wrestling with doubt or fear, turning to Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Monica through an Augustinian lens reveals a roadmap to peace that is both deeply personal and universally Catholic.

At the core of this path is the call to interiority—to turn inward, not in self-absorption, but in a relentless pursuit of God’s truth. St. Augustine’s own journey from turmoil to transformation teaches us that peace isn’t found in external solutions but in aligning our will with the Divine. Our Lady of Good Counsel, venerated as the guide who points us to Christ, becomes a maternal intercessor in this quest. Her image, often depicted with the Child Jesus, reminds us to seek counsel in humility, trusting that even the most tangled decisions can be unraveled through prayerful surrender. Imagine her gentle gaze cutting through the fog of your anxiety, urging you to lay your burdens at the foot of the Cross.

Then there’s St. Monica, the embodiment of persevering faith, whose tears and prayers for her wayward son, Augustine, became the very soil from which a saint was born. Her example is a masterclass in patience and trust—qualities that the Augustinian spirit cultivates through constant dialogue with God. Monica didn’t just pray; she wrestled with heaven, her heart a battlefield of hope against despair. For us, she stands as a beacon when peace feels elusive, reminding us that God’s timing is not ours, but His promises are certain. In moments of uncertainty, her intercession can steady us, teaching us to wait on the Lord with unwavering fidelity.

This Augustinian approach isn’t passive—it’s a call to action, a disciplined turning of the mind and heart toward eternal truths. It’s about stripping away the noise of the world to hear the still, small voice of God, often through the wisdom of Mary and the grit of Monica. In a culture that peddles quick fixes for anxiety, this path demands something deeper: a commitment to prayer, reflection, and trust in the Magisterium’s teachings. It’s a reminder that true peace isn’t the absence of struggle but the presence of God in the midst of it.

Discernment 101: Listening for the Still Small Voice

Let’s get real for a moment—spiritual discernment isn’t some mystical superpower reserved for cloistered monks or saintly visionaries. It’s a gritty, day-to-day grind of tuning out the noise of the world and leaning into the whispers of God. Think of it like trying to hear a friend’s voice in a crowded, chaotic room. You’ve got to focus, to strain for that still small voice amid the clamor of anxiety, doubt, and distraction. And when it comes to seeking guidance, Our Lady of Good Counsel offers a masterclass in cutting through the static.

Discernment, at its core, is about aligning your will with God’s. It’s not about chasing fleeting feelings or gut instincts—it’s a deliberate act of faith, rooted in prayer and surrender. Start with the basics: carve out silence. In a world that’s constantly pinging you with notifications and demands, this is no small feat. But Scripture reminds us, as in 1 Kings 19:12, that God often speaks not in the earthquake or the fire, but in a gentle whisper. So, sit with that. Whether it’s before the Blessed Sacrament or in the quiet of your room, create space for Him.

Then, bring your questions to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Her title isn’t just a pretty name—it’s a promise. Tradition holds that her image, venerated in Genazzano, Italy, appeared miraculously as a sign of divine guidance for those lost in indecision. She’s the mother who intercedes, the one who points us to her Son when we’re tangled in life’s knots. Pray the Rosary with intention, asking for her clarity. Meditate on her example of radical trust at the Annunciation—her “fiat” wasn’t a passive yes, but a bold, active surrender to God’s plan.

But discernment isn’t just prayer—it’s action. Test what you hear against the teachings of the Church. The Magisterium isn’t a cage; it’s a compass. If that “still small voice” nudges you toward something contrary to Catholic truth, it’s not from God. Period. And don’t be afraid to seek wise counsel—whether from a trusted priest or a spiritual director. Proverbs 11:14 tells us there’s safety in a multitude of counselors. Our Lady herself didn’t walk alone; she was surrounded by the early Church, by community.

This process isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s a lifelong habit, a muscle you build through faithfulness. Some days, you’ll feel like you’re groping in the dark. Other times, the path will seem clear as day. Either way, keep showing up. Keep listening. Our Lady of Good Counsel stands ready to guide you through the fog of anxiety into the peace of God’s will.

Praying with Mary: The Good Counsel Novena

Our Lady of Good Counsel Litany

In the quiet corners of our hearts, where anxiety often festers like a hidden wound, there is a balm waiting to be discovered through the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel. This title of Mary, rooted in centuries of devotion, speaks to her role as a guiding light for the weary and the uncertain. For those of us navigating the storms of life—whether it’s a personal crisis, a family struggle, or a spiritual drought—the Good Counsel Novena offers a sacred rhythm, a nine-day journey of prayer that invites Mary to counsel us with her maternal wisdom.

This novena isn’t just a rote exercise; it’s a deliberate act of surrender, a way to lay our burdens at the feet of the Mother who always points us to her Son. Each day, as we recite the prayers and meditate on Mary’s steadfast presence, we’re reminded of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Counsel, which appeared in Genazzano, Italy, in 1467. The fresco, believed to have been transported by angels, became a beacon for pilgrims seeking direction. It’s a story that pulses with divine mystery—a reminder that God often works through the quiet, the unexpected, to bring clarity to our chaos.

To pray this novena is to step into a dialogue with Mary. Begin each day with the intention that weighs heaviest on your heart. Speak to her as you would a trusted confidant. The traditional prayer, often invoking her as “Mother of Good Counsel,” asks for guidance in decisions, peace in turmoil, and faith in doubt. Reflect on Scripture passages like Luke 1:38, where Mary’s fiat—“Let it be done to me according to your word”—models the trust we’re called to emulate. Let her example seep into your soul as you wrestle with your own uncertainties.

This nine-day commitment isn’t always easy. There are days when the words feel hollow, when the weight of life overshadows the flicker of hope. But that’s precisely when Mary’s counsel shines brightest. She doesn’t promise to erase our problems; she teaches us to see them through the lens of God’s will. As you progress through the novena, notice the subtle shifts—perhaps a newfound patience, a clearer perspective, or simply the courage to keep praying. These are the quiet victories of grace, the fingerprints of a Mother who never abandons her children.

Pair this prayer with small acts of devotion. Light a candle as a symbol of your trust in her light. Keep a journal to record the ways God speaks through this time of intercession. And above all, unite your intentions with the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, where Christ’s presence transforms even the deepest anxieties into peace. Through Our Lady of Good Counsel, we’re not just asking for answers; we’re learning to listen for the still, small voice of God in the midst of life’s clamor.

Eucharistic Adoration as an Antidote to Fear

In a world that often feels like it’s unraveling—where anxiety creeps in through endless news cycles, personal struggles, and the weight of uncertainty—there is a quiet, unshakable refuge waiting for us. It’s not a hidden secret or a fleeting trend; it’s the timeless gift of Eucharistic Adoration, a sacred space where fear is met with the very presence of Christ Himself. As Catholics, we’re called to lean into this mystery, to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament and let the noise of the world fall away.

Picture it: the stillness of a chapel, the soft glow of a sanctuary lamp, and the Real Presence of Jesus in the monstrance, radiating a peace that defies explanation. This isn’t just a ritual; it’s a direct encounter with the source of all hope. When we bring our fears—whether they’re about family, health, or the state of the world—to this holy ground, we’re not just venting into the void. We’re placing them at the feet of the One who conquered death itself. The Eucharist, as the Church teaches, is the “source and summit” of our faith, and in Adoration, we tap into that divine strength. It’s here that Our Lady of Good Counsel, ever the gentle guide, intercedes for us, pointing us to her Son as the ultimate answer to our unrest.

I’ve heard countless stories from the faithful who’ve found solace in these moments. A mother, overwhelmed by a child’s wayward path, kneels in Adoration and feels an inexplicable calm, trusting that her prayers are heard. A young man, battling doubts about his future, sits before the Blessed Sacrament and senses a clarity that no self-help book could provide. These aren’t coincidences; they’re the fruits of surrender, of letting Christ’s presence remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles. The Catechism reminds us that the Eucharist is “the memorial of Christ’s Passover,” a living reminder that He has already overcome the darkness we fear (CCC 1330). In Adoration, we’re invited to rest in that victory.

So, when anxiety threatens to drown you, consider this an invitation. Seek out a parish with Adoration, even if it’s just for ten minutes. Bring your burdens, your questions, your raw and unfiltered heart. Let the silence speak. Under the maternal gaze of Our Lady of Good Counsel, and in the radiant presence of the Eucharist, you’ll find that fear doesn’t have the last word. Peace does.

Practical Steps for Daily Spiritual Discernment

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—spiritual discernment isn’t some lofty, unattainable ideal reserved for mystics or cloistered monks. It’s a practical, daily grind, a way to cut through the noise of anxiety and find the quiet voice of God. With the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, whose wisdom has guided countless souls, and the perseverance of Saint Monica, who never gave up praying for her wayward son Augustine, we can build a roadmap for clarity and peace. Here are actionable steps to weave discernment into your everyday life, rooted in the timeless teachings of the Church.

First, anchor yourself in prayer. This isn’t just a box to check—it’s your lifeline. Start each morning with a simple invocation to Our Lady of Good Counsel, asking for her maternal guidance to see through life’s fog. A quick prayer like, “Mother of Good Counsel, direct my heart and mind today,” sets the tone. Then, carve out five minutes to sit with Scripture. The Psalms, especially, are a raw, honest dialogue with God—perfect for wrestling with uncertainty. Let the Word challenge you, not just comfort you.

Next, examine your conscience daily, but don’t overcomplicate it. Before bed, take a hard look at your day. Where did you feel God’s nudge? Where did you ignore it? Think of Saint Monica, who spent years discerning how to reach her son’s hardened heart. She didn’t act on impulse; she prayed, wept, and waited for God’s timing. Ask yourself: Did I react out of fear or faith today? Write down one thing you’re wrestling with and offer it up, trusting that clarity comes through persistence, not instant answers.

Third, seek wise counsel, but be picky. The world is full of loud opinions, but not all are grounded in truth. Turn to a trusted priest, a spiritual director, or even the writings of the saints. Our Lady of Good Counsel reminds us that true wisdom often comes through humility—admitting we don’t have all the answers. If you’re facing a big decision, don’t just crowdsource advice on social media. Dig into the Catechism or papal encyclicals for a foundation that aligns with the Magisterium. Truth isn’t trendy; it’s eternal.

Finally, lean into silence. Modern life is a cacophony of notifications and distractions, but discernment demands stillness. Set aside ten minutes a day—no phone, no noise—just you and God. Picture Our Lady of Good Counsel beside you, her serene gaze calming your restless mind. Let your thoughts settle like dust after a storm. In that quiet, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what’s hidden. It’s not always a thunderbolt of insight; sometimes, it’s a whisper you only hear when everything else shuts up.

These steps aren’t a one-and-done fix. They’re a discipline, a daily commitment to align your will with God’s. Like Saint Monica, who faced years of heartache before seeing Augustine’s conversion, or Our Lady of Good Counsel, who quietly points us toward her Son, discernment is a journey of trust. Keep showing up, and let grace do the heavy lifting.

Sacramental Grace in the Battle against Anxiety

Let’s get real for a moment—life can feel like a relentless grind, a constant barrage of worries that chip away at your peace like a glitchy game stuck on a brutal difficulty setting. Anxiety isn’t just a fleeting emotion; for many, it’s a persistent shadow, creeping into decisions, relationships, and even prayer life. But as Catholics, we’re not left to face this boss battle alone. We’ve got a cheat code, a divine power-up: sacramental grace. And when we turn to Our Lady of Good Counsel and the intercession of saints like Monica, we’re tapping into a spiritual arsenal that’s been battle-tested for centuries.

The sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, are not just rituals—they’re encounters with Christ Himself, the ultimate source of peace. Think of the Eucharist as the “source and summit” of our faith, a direct line to Jesus, who told us, “Do not be anxious about anything” (Matthew 6:34). Receiving Him in Holy Communion isn’t a passive act; it’s a transformative reset, a moment where the noise of the world gets drowned out by His presence. Studies and personal testimonies alike show that regular participation in the Mass can lower stress and foster a sense of purpose—science catching up to what the Church has known for millennia.

Then there’s Reconciliation, the sacrament that’s like hitting the restart button on your soul. Anxiety often roots itself in guilt or unresolved sin, festering in the corners of our hearts. Confessing those burdens, laying them at the feet of Christ through the priest, isn’t just cathartic—it’s liberating. The absolution you receive is a tangible grace, a reminder that you’re not defined by your mistakes but by God’s mercy. Pair this with the guidance of Our Lady of Good Counsel, whose title itself promises wisdom in decision-making, and you’ve got a spiritual strategy to cut through the fog of worry.

Now, consider Saint Monica, the mother who wrestled with anxiety over her wayward son, Augustine, for years. Her tears weren’t in vain—they were a prayer, a relentless plea to God for his conversion. Her story, preserved in Augustine’s own Confessions, isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a masterclass in perseverance. Monica didn’t let anxiety paralyze her; she channeled it into faithful intercession, trusting in God’s timing. When we invoke her alongside Our Lady of Good Counsel, we’re asking for that same maternal strength to guide us through our own storms, to discern the right path even when the way forward feels like a maze.

This isn’t about ignoring real struggles or slapping a pious Band-Aid on mental health challenges. It’s about recognizing that sacramental grace equips us with supernatural tools to face them head-on. The Church, in her wisdom and fidelity to Christ’s teachings, offers these gifts not as escapism but as empowerment. So, the next time anxiety starts to glitch your system, remember: you’ve got the sacraments, the Blessed Mother, and saints like Monica in your corner, ready to help you debug the chaos and level up to peace.

Finding Peace Through Faithful Guidance

Journeys of Faith Media

In a world often fraught with uncertainty, the journey from anxiety to peace is a sacred path illuminated by the wisdom of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Monica. Their stories, steeped in divine trust and perseverance, remind us that spiritual discernment is not a solitary struggle but a graced partnership with heaven. At Journeys of Faith, we’re committed to walking alongside you on this pilgrimage of faith, offering resources rooted in the unchanging truths of the Catholic Magisterium. Our expansive library of books, DVDs, and streaming content—built on decades of research by founders Bob and Penny Lord—brings the lives of saints and Marian devotion directly to your heart. Whether through a prayer card from our gift shop or a transformative pilgrimage, we aim to inspire and teach, echoing the Augustinian spirituality that grounds our mission. Let the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel guide your decisions, as Saint Monica’s steadfast love shows the power of prayer. Join us at Journeys of Faith to deepen your connection to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, and discover the peace that surpasses understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiritual Discernment and Peace

What is the main theme of "From Anxiety to Peace"?

The central theme of "From Anxiety to Peace" is the transformative journey from inner turmoil to profound serenity through spiritual discernment, guided by the intercession and wisdom of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Monica. At Journeys of Faith, we explore how these holy figures illuminate the path to peace by helping us align our decisions with God’s will, rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Magisterium. This article invites readers to trust in divine guidance, offering hope and practical spiritual tools for navigating life’s uncertainties with faith.

Who are Our Lady of Good Counsel and Saint Monica?

Our Lady of Good Counsel is a beloved title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, venerated as a source of wisdom and guidance for those seeking clarity in life’s challenges. Her devotion, deeply cherished in the Augustinian tradition, reminds us at Journeys of Faith of Mary’s maternal role in pointing us toward Christ. Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine, is a powerful intercessor for perseverance in prayer, especially for loved ones who stray from faith. Her life exemplifies patience and trust in God’s timing. Together, they stand as pillars of spiritual strength, inspiring Catholics to seek discernment and peace through prayerful surrender.

How does spiritual discernment help with anxiety?

Spiritual discernment, as taught through the lens of Catholic faith, is the process of seeking God’s will in our decisions, often through prayer, reflection, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. At Journeys of Faith, we believe this practice counters anxiety by shifting our focus from worldly fears to divine trust. By invoking Our Lady of Good Counsel, we ask for clarity to see beyond our worries, while Saint Monica’s example teaches us to persist in faith even amid uncertainty. Discernment roots us in the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith—calming the heart with the assurance that God is in control.

How can I apply the lessons of spiritual discernment to my daily life?

Incorporating spiritual discernment into daily life starts with small, intentional steps. Begin by setting aside quiet moments for prayer, asking Our Lady of Good Counsel to guide your thoughts and decisions. Reflect on Scripture or the writings of saints like Augustine, whose mother, Saint Monica, prayed unceasingly for his conversion. At Journeys of Faith, we encourage using resources like our books, DVDs, or streaming content to deepen your understanding of Marian devotion and discernment. Carry a prayer card or medal as a tangible reminder to pause and seek God’s will before acting, trusting that peace follows faithful obedience.

How did Our Mother of Good Counsel get its name?

The title "Our Mother of Good Counsel" (often referred to as Our Lady of Good Counsel) originates from a miraculous image of Mary and the Child Jesus, believed to have appeared in Genazzano, Italy, in 1467 under the care of the Augustinian Order. Tradition holds that the image, transported miraculously from Albania, became a source of guidance for the faithful who sought Mary’s intercession. At Journeys of Faith, we honor this devotion, rooted in Augustinian spirituality, as a testament to Mary’s role as a wise counselor who leads us to her Son, especially in moments of doubt or confusion.

Why is Mary called Our Lady of Good Counsel?

Mary is called Our Lady of Good Counsel because she embodies the perfect model of wisdom and obedience to God’s will, offering counsel to all who turn to her in prayer. Her "yes" to God at the Annunciation and her steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross reveal her as a guide for navigating life’s trials with grace. At Journeys of Faith, we see her as a maternal intercessor who, through this title, reminds us to seek divine wisdom over worldly solutions. Her image in Genazzano continues to inspire countless Catholics to trust in her guidance, a devotion we proudly share through our media and pilgrimages.

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