A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart.
The feasts of St. Monica and her son, St. Augustine
This week, we celebrate two important saints’ feasts; one is St. Monica and the other her son, St. Augustine. Their life as mother and son sets an example for all of us to follow in our family lives.
The life of St Monica
Monica was born in northern Africa in 331, in the town of Thagaste, to a wealthy family with strong Christian traditions. She learned the teachings of the Sacred Scripture with great devotion; prayer and assiduous practice of the sacraments forged her interiority, and she was active in the service of the Church community.
The Birth of Augustine
She married Patricius, an ambitious, irascible pagan who was unfaithful to her. Monica was gentle, benevolent, and capable of finding the right moment in dialogue, with her “method” of waiting, patience, and prayer. At the age of 22, she gave birth to her firstborn, Augustine, who was followed by Navigius, and a daughter whose name has been lost. Monica reared them in a Christian household. Widowed at 39, she was left in charge of managing the family property, dedicating herself with love to her offspring.
Devotion of Monica to her “son of so many tears”
A thoughtful and careful mother, Monica experienced great difficulty on account of Augustine, the “son of so many tears”, the restlessness of whose heart is known throughout the world. Before his conversion, Augustine was an ambitious rhetor (one who studies using language effectively) who, in search of truth, moved away from the Catholic faith and went from one philosophy to another. Monica never ceased praying for him and followed all the affairs of his life in an effort to remain close to him.
For this reason, she moved to Carthage and then to Italy, when her son, a professor of rhetoric, at the height of his career, went to live in Milan (then the seat of the Roman Imperial government).
The Conversion & Baptism of Augustine
Her motherly affection and prayers accompanied the conversion of Augustine, who, having received baptism from Bishop Ambrose, decided to return to Thagaste to found a community of God’s servants. Monica was with him.
The life of Augustine
St. Augustine of Hippo was a theologian, writer, preacher, rhetorician, and bishop. Although he experienced many hardships in his life, St. Augustine set an example for men and women around the world to follow.
His work is reflected in the lives of Catholics in the Augustinian tradition who continue to care for those in great need. Augustine was born in 354, a non-believer. Augustine’s mother enrolled her son as a catechumen when he was a child. However, Augustine’s baptism was deferred to a later time in accordance with custom.
In his early years, Augustine possessed an inquisitive mind. He set his sights on a career that would bring him both wealth and fame. Augustine’s parents heartily endorsed their son’s career goals and wanted to provide their son with the best education.
Augustine traveled from city to city and encountered many opportunities and challenges along the way. He was also on a deep spiritual journey, searching for inner peace and lasting happiness.
Prayers of St Monica, Answered
The example, prayers, and influence of Monica played a role in her son’s spiritual journey. They ultimately led Augustine to convert to the Catholic faith. At 33 years old, Augustine was baptized by Bishop Ambrose of Milan. He also committed to spend the rest of his life as a “servant of God.” The words of St. Monica to her son at the deathbed should linger in our hearts every day for all our family members. I quote
“One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.”
With lots of love and blessings.
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | May 11, 2025
Celebrating my 21st Ordination
May 10
This week, I will celebrate my 21st Ordination anniversary. I DO NOT like any celebrations for me personally, but when the priesthood is celebrated, I really like it. It’s not the person but the priesthood of Christ…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Fulfilling God’s plan of redemption and the promise of eternal life.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 13, 2025
Holy Doors Pilgrimage Trip Report. We are back, healthy and renewed. We had a great pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. Everyone stayed healthy. The places we visited were more than I expected! I have realized that I have yet to learn an ocean of knowledge about our Catholic faith.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | April 06, 2025
Become a Prayer Warrior. Time is Precious & With Age we Gain Time. There is no doubt that most of our parishioners are age 63 plus. Some may be quick to assume that because of our age, we cannot do a lot to contribute to the community and to society. It’s so unfortunate to think that.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | March 30, 2025
I am in Rome on the Holy Doors Pilgrimage with a Group of Parishioners. Please keep us in your prayers. Preparations have begun for Holy Week and Easter. We have planned the liturgies and all the details they involve. I wish and pray that our people have a meaningful celebration of Holy Week and Easter.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | March 23, 2025
We made our ABCD Goal!!! Thanks to our amazing Parish. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you, for your contribution, collaboration, and involvement in achieving our goal for the ABCD. We made it!