Today
we remember and give thanks for Monica, Mother of Augustine. A native of North Africa, Monica (A.D.
333–387) was the devoted mother of Saint Augustine. Throughout her life she
sought the spiritual welfare of her children, especially that of her brilliant
son, Augustine. Widowed at a young age, she devoted herself to her family,
praying many years for Augustine’s conversion. When Augustine left North Africa
to go to Italy, she followed him to Rome and then to Milan. There she had the
joy of witnessing her son’s conversion to the Christian faith. Weakened by her
travels, Monica died at Ostia, Italy on the journey she had hoped would take
her back to her native Africa.
Collect
of the Day:
O Lord, You strengthened Your
patient servant Monica through spiritual discipline to persevere in offering
her love, her prayers, and her tears for the conversion of her husband and of
Augustine, their son. Deepen our
devotion to bring others, even our own family, to acknowledge Jesus Christ as
Savior and Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God,
now and forever.
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