From the Desk of Father Nathan

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