Good Counsel Day 5

 In the 16th century in Mexico, you counseled Juan Diego, saying, “Do not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here, who am your Mother? Is there anything else you need?” . . . 

For guidance for our friends, pray for us.

For counsel for those who are lonely, pray for us.

Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel, Day 5

Juan Diego y La Virgen Guadalupe

. . . So the virgin appeared once more, and on the second occasion told Juan Diego to collect flowers from the top of the hill.  Being December, Juan did not expect to find any but upon his arrival there, he found the hill covered with beautiful flowers.  As instructed, he collected some and, using his overcoat to carry them, returned to see the Bishop.

The Bishop, seeing the unseasonable flowers, also saw an image of the Virgin Guadalupe imprinted onto to the coat.  Convinced it was a miracle, he ordered the building of the church on the hill of Tepeyac—at the precise location where the current-day basilica is situated in Mexico City.

Today, Catholic Mexicans bring gifts and offerings to the virgin, petitioning her for help and good providence; for example, when a family member is ill, when there is conflict in their life, or when they are to embark upon some personal or business endeavor.

"The Virgin Guadalupe and Juan Diego:

Dia de Guadalupe--One of Mexico’s Most Important Religious Holidays"

-Mexperience

Job 12:7-10 (Job's Third Reply)

"But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."

Beneath the shadows of His wings I will rejoice;

To find a dwelling place secure. . .

I need not shrink before the terrors of the night,

Nor stand alone beneath the light of day. . .

Blessed be the Lord! (Blessed be the Lord)

Blessed be the Lord! (Blessed be the Lord)

The God of Mercy,

The God Who saves. 

"Blest Be the Lord"

by Dan Schutte

Performed by The St. Louis Jesuits