Monica, a simple wife and mother living in the fourth century, models for us such depth of faith, endurance in suffering, perseverance in prayer, and unconditional love as she embodied the father/mother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. And, like the widow of Naim to whom God gave back her dead son, Monica experienced the return of her Augustine from spiritual death! Augustine eloquently expressed his mother's impact on his life in his "Confessions."

In this 21st century, imagine Augustine offering Josh Groban's heartwarming song "You Raise Me Up" to his dear mother. These lines of the refrain

"I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up ... to more than I can be."

mirror exquisitely Monica's devotion in effecting Augustine's conversion.

Who are the Monica's, assisting you to be all that you can be, in your life?
                             Thank God for them!
Using these lyrics, let them know what a blessing they have been for you!

 

--Fran DeLisle, SSJ

 print