Across centuries and continents, countless Catholics have turned to Mary under one mysterious and hope-filled title: Our Lady of Good Success.
Her story begins in 16th-century Ecuador, where Mary appeared to a humble Spanish nun and foretold many challenges the Church would face in the centuries to come — yet always with a promise of victory through her Son.
In this devotion, Mary reminds us that even when the world seems dark or uncertain, God’s providence is at work — and Mary’s help is always faithful.
Whether you’re discerning a vocation, starting a new mission, or seeking peace in a difficult season, Our Lady of Good Success offers a message of trust: the future is safe in the hands of Christ and His Mother.
What is “Our Lady of Good Success”?
The title “Our Lady of Good Success” (Spanish: Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso) refers to a series of approved Marian apparitions that took place in Quito, Ecuador, beginning in 1594.
Mary appeared to Mother Mariana de Jesús Torres, a Conceptionist nun, and shared prophecies about the future of the Church — especially the moral and spiritual trials that would arise in later centuries.
The term “Good Success” doesn’t refer to worldly success but to the “good outcome” of God’s plans — the ultimate triumph of the Church and of Mary’s Immaculate Heart.
This title emphasizes Mary’s intercession for every generation and her promise that, through faith and perseverance, good will always prevail.
Why is this devotion important for FOCUS?
Hope in Uncertain Times:
College students and missionaries often face anxiety about the future — careers, relationships, faith, and purpose. Our Lady of Good Success reminds us that true success comes not from control but from surrender to God’s will.
Confidence in God’s Providence:
Mary’s message to Mother Mariana was one of assurance: that even in periods of confusion or corruption, Christ’s light would never be extinguished. For young adults navigating an often skeptical culture, that message offers stability and peace.
Courage in Mission:
Just as Mary encouraged Mother Mariana to persevere in faith despite great opposition, she encourages FOCUS missionaries and students to remain steadfast in evangelization — trusting that God will bring good fruit in His time.
Bridge Between Ages:
While rooted in 16th-century Ecuador, this devotion resonates deeply with modern believers. Mary’s call to trust, prayer, and reparation is timeless — connecting generations of faithful disciples.
A Brief History of the Apparitions
- The apparitions began in 1594 at the Convent of the Immaculate Conception in Quito, Ecuador.
- Mary appeared multiple times to Mother Mariana de Jesús Torres, offering encouragement and warnings about future crises in the Church.
- In 1611, a statue of Our Lady of Good Success was sculpted under Mary’s direct guidance and miraculously completed by angels.
- The devotion was approved by the local bishop, and the statue was formally crowned and enthroned in the convent’s choir loft, where it remains today.
- The title spread through Latin America and later gained global attention as the prophecies became known, emphasizing renewal, repentance, and faith.
Understanding the Symbolism
Every element of the statue of Our Lady of Good Success carries deep meaning:
- Mary’s Crown and Scepter: Signify her queenship and maternal authority over the Church.
- The Child Jesus in Her Left Arm: Represents her constant guidance in bringing souls to her Son.
- The Crosier (Abbot’s Staff) in Her Right Hand: A unique symbol showing her governance and protection of the Church, especially religious communities.
- The Radiant Gown and Blue Mantle: Reflect purity, royalty, and her role as the dawn that heralds Christ’s victory.
- The Expression on Her Face: A blend of serenity and sorrow — she gazes with compassion, aware of humanity’s struggles yet confident in God’s triumph.
What Does This Devotion Mean for Us Today?
For those living faith in a culture that often resists truth and holiness, Our Lady of Good Success offers a blueprint for hope and perseverance.
Trust in God’s Timing:
Mary’s message assures us that, though trials come, the “good success” of God’s plan will unfold.
Renewal Through Prayer:
Mary called for greater devotion to the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist — the same foundation that strengthens FOCUS missionaries in their daily mission.
Courage in Mission:
Just as Mary prepared Mother Mariana to face discouragement, she prepares us to share Christ on campus, in workplaces, and in the world — knowing that fruit often comes after patience and prayer.
Reparation for the World:
Mary’s messages included calls for prayer for priests, families, and those far from God. Her invitation to intercede mirrors FOCUS’s call to missionary discipleship and spiritual friendship.
Practical Ways to Bring This Title into Your Life and Ministry
Pray the Novena: A nine-day devotion to Our Lady of Good Success is available online and in prayer booklets — ideal for personal or small group use.
Reflect on the Statue: Keep an image of Our Lady of Good Success in your home or prayer space as a reminder that holiness, not worldly achievement, is true success.
Offer Your Future to Mary: Before exams, job interviews, or major life choices, pray: “Mary, may this endeavor bring glory to your Son — and end in good success.”
Host a Marian Talk or Reflection: Use the story of Our Lady of Good Success as a discussion topic on trusting God’s providence and discerning His will.
Unite with Others in Prayer: The Feast of Our Lady of Good Success on February 2 (the Presentation of the Lord) offers a special moment to consecrate your studies, ministry, and friendships to Mary’s care.
FAQ
Q: Who is Our Lady of Good Success?
A: She is the Blessed Virgin Mary under a title given during her 16th-century apparitions to Mother Mariana de Jesús Torres in Quito, Ecuador.
Q: What does “Good Success” mean?
A: The phrase comes from the Spanish “Buen Suceso,” meaning “good event” or “good outcome.” It refers not to earthly achievement but to the successful fulfillment of God’s plan.
Q: When is the feast day of Our Lady of Good Success?
A: Her feast is celebrated on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Q: What was Mary’s message in Quito?
A: Mary warned of moral decline and confusion in future centuries but promised that her Son would ultimately triumph and renew the Church through prayer, faith, and devotion.
Q: Is the apparition approved by the Church?
A: Yes. The devotion was approved by the local bishop, and the statue of Our Lady of Good Success was solemnly blessed and crowned in the early 1600s.
Q: What miracles are associated with this devotion?
A: Numerous conversions and healings have been attributed to Mary’s intercession under this title, especially those involving trust in God’s providence and reconciliation with the Church.
Q: How can I pray to Our Lady of Good Success?
A: You can pray the novena, meditate on her messages, or simply ask her intercession for wisdom, discernment, and peace. A common prayer:
“Our Lady of Good Success, intercede for us that we may persevere in faith and see the good success of God’s work in our lives.”
Q: Can this devotion help with anxiety about the future?
A: Absolutely. Mary’s message is one of serenity and trust — reminding us that “good success” is not about avoiding challenges, but about letting God’s grace bring light out of darkness.
Q: How can college students or missionaries live out this devotion?
A: Keep a small image nearby, pray before big decisions, and unite your hopes for mission and vocation with Mary’s — confident that she brings all things to “good success” through her Son.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about Mary and the saints? Explore these posts on the FOCUS blog:
- Meet Our Lady of Perpetual Help
- Who Are the Most Popular Catholic Saints?
- Your Favorite Saints’ Favorite Saints
- 25 Patron Saints of Really Random Things
- Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary?
- 5 Ways to Pray to Mary
Looking for more? Visit the Meet the Saints series to read about holy men and women who lived Mary’s “yes” in every age.
Check out the FOCUS YouTube channel for reflections and videos on Mary and the saints—like the one below:
Mary as the Mother of God? | Paul J. Kim | #SEEK24
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