Rome, Italy – May 11, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV has embarked on a deeply personal and spiritually significant journey, dedicating this Saturday to honoring the Virgin Mary and the legacy of the Order of St. Augustine. The visit, centered around the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, just an hour east of Rome, underscores the Pope’s commitment to upholding traditional Marian devotion and the enduring influence of the Church’s historical orders.
A Sanctuary of History and Faith
The Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel, a beloved sanctuary run by the Order of St. Augustine, holds a particularly poignant place in the Church’s history. The shrine houses an ancient image of the Virgin Mary, a treasured relic that has been associated with the Order since the time of Pope Leo XIII. This visit represents a direct connection to a lineage of faith and devotion stretching back over a century.
A Message of Fidelity
During the afternoon visit, Pope Leo XIV greeted the religious community gathered at the shrine, expressing his desire to carry out his role as Successor of Peter – a responsibility he clearly views as a sacred mission. He emphasized the importance of remaining “faithful to the Mother,” a sentiment deeply rooted in Catholic theology and the veneration of Mary as the Mother of God. He led the assembly in reciting St. John Paul II’s prayer to the Mother of Good Counsel, further solidifying the shrine’s significance.
“This visit is a crucial step in the beginning of my ministry,” the Pope stated, “I want to ensure that the Church continues to uphold the values of faith and devotion that have guided it for centuries.”
A Final Act of Respect
Following the visit to the shrine, Pope Leo XIV paid a final, respectful tribute to his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Francis is one of eight popes buried within the basilica, a testament to the long and unbroken line of leadership within the Catholic Church.
Looking Ahead
This pilgrimage to Genazzano and Saint Mary Major signals a renewed focus on traditional Catholic practices and the importance of honoring the Mother of God. It’s a powerful statement from Pope Leo XIV as he begins his ministry, demonstrating a commitment to upholding the core tenets of the Church and fostering a deeper connection with its faithful.
Viewing the Relic
The image of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Italy, is a 15th-century fresco painting that miraculously traveled from Albania to Genazzano. The image was said to have been transported by a luminous cloud, with the arrival celebrated annually on April 25. The fresco depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary tenderly holding the Christ Child.
Sourced from https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
Images from Vatican Media.
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