Musings in Writings

Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo, grieved and prayed for her wayward son for twenty years. So touching are the love, patience and faith of this woman. She never gave up on her son. And oh, the amount of tears she shed for her son's soul!

Her son, Augustine abandoned the Christian Faith and embraced the Manichean belief, a heresy then.

So desperate was she, that she begged a priest to talk to her wayward son. The priest did not think the son was ready to listen, and declined. But she continued to cry and beg. The priest said, "Go home. God will not allow the son of a woman with tears as yours to be lost." Saint Monica hearing this, stopped crying and went home.

Indeed God, our most faithful Father, always answers prayers. He rewarded her greatly for her grief, love and tears.

Her Son not only returned to the Catholic Church after her twenty years wait. He became one of the most renowned Church Fathers. Today called a Doctor of the Catholic Church, Saint Augustine of Hippo's brilliant writings have deepened our understanding of the Christian belief. Both Catholics and Protestants alike today hold his 5th century writings in high esteem.

I remember his famous words "Rome has spoken, the case is closed." showing his submission that the Pope has the final word on any Church issues. And also "If not for the Church, I wouldn't have believed in the Bible." showing his belief that Catholic Church authority preceded the Bible.

Oh, Saint Monica, pray that I will have your patience and endurance, that I will never give up. Pray that I will pray ceaselessly for my beloved husband's conversion like you prayed ceaselessly for your precious son.