A Patron Saint for You and for Me.

 

Novena Day Two, A Patron Saint for you and for me.

We begin with one Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be to God.

Over these past four years, we have explored and discovered Saint Mary Mackillop, Saint Mary Magdelene and now we have embarked on a journey to discover Saint Monica.

Who is Saint Monica?

Saint Monica was born at Tagaste, in Numidia, in 331. In the year Monica was born Numidia was linked to the fierce religious battles, Madura to the south and Carthage to the north. Even though there were religious struggles her parents gave her a catholic education. According to Giovanni Falbo, Saint Monica, The Power of a Mother’s Love, Monica’s parents were not known but clearly were observant Catholics who didn’t really get the chance to know of God’s great plans for their daughter. These are words from Saint Augustine to his grandparents.

“(F)or she did not fashion herself or bring herself up: you created her, and not even her father or mother knew what kind of child would be born from them. She was brought up to reverence you, schooled by the crook of your Christ, the shepherd’s care of your only Son, in a faithful family that was a sound limb of your Church.”

Saint Monica was taught like most of us to pray, to serve and to love others. She was destined to live a life of true Christian virtue but of course at times she was weak and tempted. We are not born Saints, like Saint Monica we must grow in our faith, in our virtues and work hard at our missions. She embraced her life and armed herself with patience and endurance serving her family.

So, why then is Saint Monica a patron Saint for us all?

She is a patron Saint for us all because we can recognize God in her, see her incredible strength, wisdom and knowledge. We also understand that even though God graced her with many gifts, she made the effort to grow in Christian love, to help others be happy and to live with peace in their lives. 

Let us pray:

Saint Monica, we are grateful for this journey in getting to know who you are as a woman, a mother, and a wife. Teach us to live in peace and show us how to grow in Christian love. Amen.

May God Bless Always, Faith, Hope and Love by My Mother Rose.

Written and created by Katie Robinson.