You may already know the story of Saint Monica and Saint Augustine, mother and son, whom we celebrate this week as we do annually on “back-to-back” days, August 27 and 28. Each of them were sainted not just for their individual model of faith and dedication to the Church but also because of their families ties in faith.   

St. Monica is the patron saint of mothers and wives. The tears she shed and the prayers she prayed successfully brought her son, Augustine, out of a life of sin and into a completely transformed life of virtue that led to his canonization.  But in addition to her faithful dedication to her role in her family, St. Monica is also the patron saint of conversions, something that is especially pertinent for our times. With the struggle to remain faithful to Mass attendance and a personal prayer practice, there is such a desperate need for models of the faith both in our community and our own families. We are called to not only live our Catholic values, but also called to bring others closer to Jesus. St. Monica not only understands the need for conversion herself, but also understands how best to lead others to it. Her commitment to bring Augustine into personal relationship with the Holy Trinity and its eventual fruition inspired even more family members to the Faith as well.  

How many people do you know who are struggling with their faith? Who have slipped out of their daily prayer practice? If you have struggled yourself, you may now have empathy for how easily that can occur, especially when life is still not what we desire it to be.  Maybe you worry for the situation of members of your own family just like St. Monica. All is not lost!  St. Monica offers us encouragement: 

  1.  St. Monica did not give up. She did not turn her back on her family’s sinful behavior. She continue to stay present, treating them with love and respect, while gently guiding them repeatedly to God.  

  2.  St. Monica fasted, sacrificed and prayed for her son, but she also let him know that she was doing those things for him. Let people in your life know you are talking to God about them. Even if they seem to turn down this gift, you never know when their hearts may soften and they may quite suddenly open to your generosity and even start asking for your prayers. 

  3.  She trusted. While praying for others, St. Monica persisted in her own personal prayer practices. She looked to the Lord every day and trusted that she had His assistance in saving her son. She was determined, but she also partnered with the Almighty. In this partnership, she was less susceptible to hopelessness. We may not know where and when conversion will take place. We may not know until the final chapter. But knowing God is walking with us in our hopes and dreams for those we love is a gift in itself.  

St. Augustine was so moved by his mother’s part in his own conversion that he wrote his “Confessions” about her heroic faith and love. Include this spiritual classic in your reading! May our dedication to our personal prayer life aid the conversion of those we love for their salvation and the salvation of the World.