Inbox Inspiration: July 3, 2019: Saint Peter Monica

Saint Monica

Dear Friends, 
Monica was born in the year 323 near Carthage, which was located in today’s Northern African country of Tunisia.
Practically all we know about Monica is from the writings of her oldest son, Augustine.
Monica was a devout Christian.
She was given by her parents in marriage to a man who had little or no religion.
So, in the expression of our Church, theirs was a mixed-religion marriage.
Monica prayed that both her husband and mother-in-law would accept Christianity and be baptized, and eventually her prayer was answered.
She then prayed for her son Augustine who was not baptized and was living an immoral lifestyle.
Monica followed her son wherever he went – from Northern Africa to Rome and then to Milan.
Some would say that she was too hovering and did not give her son enough space.
Whatever, Monica’s prayers were again answered.
Augustine came under the wonderful influence of Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, and was baptized in 387.
In that same year, Monica became ill and died.
We can turn to this saint for inspiration when we need to be patient.
Maybe mothers and even fathers can also turn to her for inspiration when a son or daughter is not following a good path in their life.
Monica’s feast day is August 27 in our Catholic calendar.

“In the flesh she brought me to birth in this world; in her heart she brought me to birth in Your eternal life.”
From the Confessions of Saint Augustine.
 “All you holy men and women, Saints of God, pray for us.” 
Father Michael Schleupner