The Wonders of St. Monica

The Wonders of St. Monica

            St. Monica was known for overcoming obstacles that came her way. She was born 322, in Northern Africa, where she suffered silently after she was betrothed to a pagan man, Patricius. It was hard for her since she came from a Christian family, who loved and respected one another; her mother in law gave Monica a lot of grief, by picking on her and spreading rumors; but she let it slide. Instead she devoted her time to helping others, giving to the poor and sick, while still making sure she “served” her family.

            Monica gave birth to three children, her eldest cause her much frustration since he would not obey his parents, although he was very intelligent, he was stubborn and would not obey his parents. After many years of praying he was able to convert her husband and her mother in law to Christianity, and hoped that with their help they could help her with her difficult son. He would run away and return just to cause more stress at home, finally Monica through him out. God called to her to help him and she again tried, but it seems useless, for soon he found a lover and together they had a child. Monica was beside herself she turned to her bishop who gave her the strength to not “give up”.

            Soon she turned to the bishop in Italy, Bishop Ambrose; who instead of bring him to God through harsh words and emotions, resorted to his intelligent side and thus brought him closer to God. Monica’s patience and kind heart paid off, after all the years of suffering with her mother in lawn and her son; when her son’s faith grew so strong that he was canonized, her son is. St. Augustine.

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            St. Augustine went on to become one of our churches most respected and beloved Saint, he was a great teacher of faith and love, along with being an intelligent philosopher.

            St. Monica is the Patroness of Wives and Mothers, for as a daughter in law and a mother of two very difficult people, through her faith and prays, her love and examples; she was able to turn these people around.  Her works are not that different than the struggles we today must muddle through, but we must, like St. Monica never give up. After trying so hard on her own she turn to others for help, and sometimes that can be uncomfortable to let others know that your family may look good, but there is a lot of anger and problems going on behind their closed doors.

            Just as St. Monica did, you too must pray and if you must seek outside help from your parish, or friends, and as with her faith, you must believe that “All Things are Possible Through God”, and that Jesus Christ is there to help us all.