Memorial of Saint Monica

Scripture Readings

May the intercession of St. Monica, our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Monica, a fourth century saint and mother of St. Augustine of Hippo (memorial on August 28th), who became a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Monica was in an abusive marriage and her long-suffering patience, sorrowful tears and  persistent prayers for changes in her husband’s violent temper and her son Augustine’s immorality are attributed to both of their conversions to Christianity and leading virtuous lives.  Her faithfulness in prayer and belief that things can change are a model for us all.  She is a patron saint of wives, mothers, conversions, alcoholic and abuse victims.  

Last month, i spent an inspiring week at Serra Retreat  in the Santa Monica mountains, California as part of ecological spirituality retreat with my Marianist Brothers and Sisters. I was both captivated by overlooking the beautiful Pacific ocean vistas and saddened by the destruction caused by the five-fold increase in fire frequency, as a result of both climate change warming and humans overbuilding in the region.  Human alteration of landscapes by planting plants that are not native - that are often rich in “fire fuel’ oils as well as not conserving water and adequate green spaces are all contributing to soil erosion, species loss and ecosystem vulnerability. As I encountered the vibrant plants and wildlife and the fire-burned patches. I prayed with the Santa Monica mountains namesake, St. Monica, the plants and wildlife, feeling the sadness of the ‘social sins’ of our day and asking to better live in right relationships with God’s Creation.. 

We are soon to embark on the ecumenical Season of Creation (https://seasonofcreation.org)  (September 1 - October 4th). The 2024 theme invites us to Hope and Act with Creation, and Pope Francis urges us into the process of ecological conversion and actions to address the climate crisis and biodiversity loss of our brother and sister creatures.  May we also join with St. Monica’s continued prayers, and feel encouraged by her life and the hope and grace promised in today’s first reading that empower our prayer and good words and deeds we bring to those in need - including Earth, our Common Home. May we all be inspired to change our ways and take actions that better Care for God’s Creation.

—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI