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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