Today is the Feast of St. Monica and tomorrow, her son St. Augustine.
With all the talk of Catholic politicians and professors who are truly estranged from the faith through their dissenting views, it's a good time to take up praying to St. Monica. We especially should pray for her intercession for family members who have strayed from the faith or are struggling with it.
St. Monica is the Mother of St. Augustine. She prayed for his conversion for many, many years and the fruit of that prayer wasn't only a conversion, but a priest, bishop, saint, and doctor of the Church. In this EWTN bio on St. Monica, is an exerpt I would like to share:
Although his conversion was not to take place for nine long years, Monica did not lose faith. She continually fasted, prayed, and wept on his behalf. She implored the local bishop for help in winning him over, and he counseled her to be patient, saying, "God's time will come." Monica persisted in importuning him, and the bishop uttered the words which have often been quoted: "Go now, I beg you; it is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish."
Two local parishes - Assumption Grotto in Detroit and St. Cyril & Methodius in Sterling Heights have a St. Monica Sodality where there are monthly Masses for those enrolled. From the St. Monica Sodality of Michigan website (scroll to see all that is there):
Both churches offer Confession and recitation of the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the St. Monica Sodality Prayer. During Mass a covered album, with petition lists and photos for those being prayed, is brought to the altar where your petitions are united with the most sacred offering of Christ.
On a table near the entrance, both churches have Petition Slips at the St. Monica Sodality Petition Box to write the names of those who are no longer practicing the faith. Just place the slip in the box and take a St. Monica Sodality Prayer Card
In the Chicago area, you will find a chapter of the St. Monica Sodality at St. John Cantius, where it began in 1995. You will find more good info at their website.
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!