Imagine pilgrims traveling to a painting near Rome. They sought the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel. This devotion inspires Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.
Welcome to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna Virginia. This parish began in November 1955. It started with 750 families. Reverend Albert P. Campbell was the first pastor. Early masses were held in the Dunn Loring Firehouse. Later a chapel and parish center were built. It was on the second floor of Frank Gadell’s Food Locker.
In 1956 Bishop Ireton asked the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales to lead the parish. Reverend Joseph C Toy was named pastor on September 1 1956. On September 1 1957 a chapel and school were dedicated.
Our Lady of Good Counsel School opened on September 4 1957. It had eight classrooms for children up to sixth grade. In 1959 eight more classrooms and a cafeteria were added. A convent was built for the Sisters of Saint Joseph. They taught there until 1987.
A new church was dedicated on March 10 1973. A separate bell tower was built. It has three bells. The largest bell weighs 1480 pounds. It says “Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Vienna Virginia November 1972 ‘Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.'”
The medium bell weighs 704 pounds. It says “Live + Jesus ‘I am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.'” The smallest weighs 400 pounds. It reads “St Joseph St Jude St Francis de Sales Pray for us.”
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish has consistently fostered the spirituality of Saint Francis De Sales. This spirituality encourages people to “Live Jesus”. They should use their gifts in their families parishes and communities. Saint Francis said “Be who you are and be that well.”
The church has seen many changes. In 2004 the Sacred Heart chapel DeSales Hall and a gym were completed. In 2012 the church and school got a new logo. The parish created a five-year pastoral plan in 2016. The school started a preschool program in 2018.
Our Lady of Good Counsel is known for its architecture. The chapel features stained glass designed by an Oblate Brother. The parish complex sits on 24 acres. A multi-purpose hall a gym and a computer lab were added. The church won design awards for its inventive use of brick and light.
Our Lady of Good Counsel continues to evolve. It provides a Catholic education. It instills the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales. The parish strives for academic excellence. It encourages appreciation of the fine arts. It fosters respect for all life.
As you leave Our Lady of Good Counsel consider its mission. It is a witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. It welcomes all with hospitality. Remember the words of Saint Francis de Sales. “The opportunity to do great things does not come very often but at every moment we can do little acts with great love.”