Saint Augustine of Hippo

Saint of the Day for August 28

Augustine was born and lived much of his life in Hippo, a seaport city in North Africa, part of present-day Algeria. He served as a church priest, a bishop, and a theologian during the early 400s. In the centuries since his death, he has remained an important figure in Christianity, serving as an inspiration for those who struggle with their faith and with temptation.

Augustine did not begin his life as a follower of Christ. During his youth, he struggled with morality and the seemingly impossible prospect of living according to the Christian ideal. To his mother's dismay, Monica (later venerated as Saint Monica), Augustine experimented with non-Christian faiths and philosophies during his early adult years.

Then one day, in a fit of intense frustration over his inability to reconcile godly living with the desires of the flesh, he cried out to God for help and understanding. He heard a voice saying, "Tolle, lege," which means "pick up and read" in Latin. He picked up the Bible and it opened to the letters of St. Paul, who had overcome similar struggles in his own life. Taking comfort in the words of the epistle writer, Augustine repented for his hedonistic habits and devoted his life to serving God.

After his baptism and conversion to Christianity in 387, Augustine practiced poverty and charity. Drawing upon both his personal experiences and his considerable education in rhetoric, he wrote powerful works including Confessions and The City of God, which many consider foundational to Christian theology. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on August 28, the anniversary of his death in 430.

Augustine's writings are viewed by many as a crucial turning point in human consciousness from classical to modern ways of thinking. According to historian Thomas Cahill, Augustine's Confessions is the first example in world literature of a deeply personal account of a life, and as such is the forerunner of the modern novel. In his book entitled How The Irish Saved Civilization, Cahill describes Augustine as "almost the last great classical man — and very nearly the first medieval man."

Augustine of Hippo was canonized in 1303 by Pope Boniface VIII. He is the patron saint of brewers, printers, and theologians.

Reflection

As we honor this pillar of wisdom, consider especially Augustine’s personal journey towards Christ. In many ways, Saint Augustine lived two lives. At first, he was a weak, confused, and sinful man. After that, he became a sinner who was redeemed and transformed by grace. His struggle led him to the truth and when that happened, God used him in extraordinary ways. His life can be summed up in one of his most famous quotes, “Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.” Ponder your own story of conversion, and especially any ways that you are restless. Follow this saint’s example and seek the Truth with all your heart, knowing that God will reveal Himself to you when you are ready, so that you can rest in Him.

Saint Monica

Saint of the Day for August 27

St. Monica was born in 331 AD in Thagaste, known today as Souk Ahras, in Algeria, North Africa. At a very young age, her parents married her off to a Roman pagan called Patricius, despite Monica being a devout Christian.

Monica was in between a pagan husband and a cantankerous mother-in-law. They both had violent tempers. Patricius’s mother lived with the young couple, which didn’t make Monica’s life any easier.

Monica had three children who survived infancy: two sons and a daughter. Augustine being the eldest, Navigus and Perpetual Monica carried the burden of not being able to baptize their children as their father was pagan.

St. Monica had a very troubled marriage. Patricius, her husband, was unfaithful to the union and verbally abused her with an easily flared temper. He disliked Monica for her prayers, charity, and piety, but he still respected her.

Nevertheless, Monica prayed continuously for her husband’s and mother-in-law’s conversion.

Perhaps Monica’s greatest trial as a married woman was to come with her son Augustine. He lived a lustful, adulterous life, stealing and telling lies. Patricius wasn’t much help in raising Augustine on the right path since he isn’t much different.

St. Monica lost her husband, Patricius, when her son Augustine was 17 and more carefree. Fortunately, Patricius and his mother converted to Christianity a year before his death and got baptized. Their conversion gave Monica some consolation.

Monica was deeply in sorrow when she learned her son had continued to deviate from the Christian faith and had fallen deeply into sin. Later,when Augustine returned home to Thagaste in grief, she denied him sharing her table with her for a while.

As a distressed mother who never sleeps, Monica wept at night for her son’s conversion. One day, she had a vision in which a voice told her to reconcile with her stray son, so she took Augustine back and kept praying for him.

Monica met a bishop who told her that the child of those tears should never perish. The bishop’s word helped strengthen her persistence in prayer.

Augustine secretly traveled to Rome, Italy, and St. Monica followed after her son. On arriving in Rome, she learned that he had moved to Milan. Not discouraged, she followed him to Milan.

While in Milan, Monica came across St. Ambrose. He helped convert Augustine to Christianity, and months later, Augustine got baptized at St. John the Baptist Milan by St. Ambrose.

Long years of persistence and prayer have finally paid off, and St. Monica was the happiest and most fulfilled woman on earth.

St. Monica and her son, later St. Augustine, were divinely inspired to go back to Africa to preach the gospel. On their journey back home, St. Monica died. She was 56 years old. In modern times, she has become the inspiration for the St. Monica Sodality, which encourages prayer and penance among Catholics whose children have left the faith.

Reflection

Saint Monica endured a difficult life, but she persevered, overcame her difficulties, and devoted herself to a life of prayer and virtuous living. Her prayers and virtues first won over her husband and mother-in-law, then all three of her children. Though Saint Augustine is the most well known, this mother, daughter-in-law, and wife made a difference in the lives of her entire family. Saint Monica is seen by many as a model of hope for those whose family members have gone astray. As we honor her today, ponder the power of her prayers. As you do, be reminded that your prayers for your family are also powerful. If you have someone in your family who has gone astray, allow Saint Monica to inspire you and devote yourself to praying for them, so that each member of your family will share, one day, the glories of Heaven with you.

Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars

Saint of the Day for August 26, 2024

Teresa Jornet Ibars was born January 9th, 1843 in the Catalan region of Spain. She was the foundress of the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Aged, better known as the Little Sisters of the Poor. This is not to be confused with the Congregation also called this founded by St. Jeanne Jugan.

From a young age, Teresa had a strong concern for the poor, often bringing them to the home of an aunt, where they were sure to receive assistance. Later she moved to Lerida, and lived with another aunt as she pursued her education. She became a teacher in Barcelona. During this time, she felt drawn to the monastic life and applied for admission to the Poor Clares, but she was not accepted. For this reason she devoted herself to her teaching and became a Carmelite tertiary to help in the development of her Spiritual life. She was encouraged by her Spiritual Director to undertake caring for the many elderly people of the area who were living alone and in poverty. She accepted this challenge.

In 1872, she opened the first house in Barbastro. Her sister Maria helped her, and the following year the small group took the habit and became a religious Congregation. Since Teresa had previously been with the Carmelite Order, she took the name of their great foundress, Teresa of Jesus. She was elected the first superior of the new community. They were totally dedicated to the care of the aged. Mother Teresa of Jesus taught her Sisters to sacrifice their own personal comforts for that of the men and women that they cared for. In addition for her intense commitment, she was noted for her overwhelming peace, and that drew in many young women to join her.

An outbreak of cholera hit Spain in 1897, and she joined the other members of the Congregation in their care of the victims of this plague. By the time it ended, 24 Sister, and seventy of their patients had died from the disease. She was physically overwhelmed and retired to the house in Liria. This is where she died, on August 26, 1897. At the time of her death, her Congregation had fifty houses. She was beatified in 1958 by Pope Pius XII, and canonized in 1974 by Pope Paul VI.

Reflection

Saint Teresa had a dream and followed it--but, initially, she failed. Many of us have dreams and spend considerable time trying to make them a reality. However, though we often fail to achieve our dreams, it is important to remember that, often, the failure of one dream means that a greater and ultimately more fulfilling path awaits us. Saint Teresa's failure to achieve her initial dream, only to achieve a greater and more meaningful dream, is a testament to the importance of maintaining optimism and trust in God.

The life of St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars shows us that one person can make a difference, as well as many other things. The fact that she had fifty houses, all caring for the sick at the time of her death, was all made possible because she said “yes” to Jesus. She had a desire to help the poor and abandoned, and helped them one by one, by taking them to her aunt’s house. This little act of compassion would grow into a Congregation of fifty houses in her life’s time. If we call upon her intercession, we can get her help, and we can make a difference in the lives of others as well.

Saint Louis of France

Saint of the Day for August 25

During the Middle Ages, many European kings believed that they had a divine right to rule, so they did whatever they wanted. They treated people unfairly. They were taxed heavily. They did not worry about justice. Louis IX of France was not like that. He believed that good kings served others.

Louis was born in 1214. He was only 12 years old when he became king. So he took his mother’s advice until he was old enough to rule wisely and well.

During that time, many Christian knights went on Crusades to the Holy Land to win it back from Muslim rule. Twice Louis led a Crusade, but both times he suffered defeat. Clearly his work was back in France, helping his people.

Louis built orphanages, libraries, and hospitals for the people of France. He built Sainte-Chapelle in Paris as a home for Jesus’ crown of thorns. He supported the building of the Sorbonne, a college in Paris.

But more important than any building was the work Louis did for the poor. He brought peace to his people. How did he do this? By seeking justice for all.

Louis simplified court bureaucracy, established fair laws and courtrooms, and changed the tax system. He kept a list of the needy throughout his realm and used his own money and tax money to feed them. Because justice reigned in France, peace followed.

Louis died in 1270, when he was 56. Throughout his kingdom, people mourned his death. His holiness had been a blessing to them. He is the only king of France who is a saint. Pope Boniface VIII canonized Saint Louis on account of his deep personal piety, his efforts to reform and improve justice, and his leadership in two Crusades.

Reflection

The life of a king in the High Middle Ages, with its riches and unchecked power, brought with it numerous temptations. Saint Louis was one of those rare souls who remained simple, humble, devout, just, thoughtful, morally upright, and prayerful throughout his reign. He is the only King of France to receive the sacred title “Saint.” As we honor this holy and just ruler, ponder the temptations he would have had to overcome in order to become universally recognized as a Catholic saint. As you do, ponder the qualities you most need in your life to overcome any of the snares that tempt you, so that you will fulfill your duties in accord with the mind and heart of Christ.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:45–46

Nathanael, who also goes by the name Bartholomew, reacted strongly to the news from his friend Philip that they had found the promised Messiah. Why did Nathanael react this way? Most likely because it was common knowledge among the Jews that the promised Messiah would come from Bethlehem, not from Nazareth. So Nathanael immediately raises this doubt because of Jesus’ supposed origin. Of course, Jesus actually was born in Bethlehem and only later moved to Nazareth, but Nathanael did not immediately realize this.

The first lesson to ponder today is that, just like Nathanael, we can easily doubt matters of faith because we do not fully understand. Perhaps if Philip had come and said that Jesus was born in Bethlehem but raised in Nazareth, then Nathanael may have been more immediately open. But this encounter most likely unfolded as it did, with Nathanael’s initial doubt, because the Holy Spirit, Who inspired these Scriptures, wanted us to learn an important lesson. The lesson we must learn is that we must not close the door on the Truth just because something doesn’t immediately make sense to us. Doubts are never from God. The good news in this Gospel passage is that, even though Nathanael did immediately express a certain doubt, he remained open to what Philip was saying. Philip, in answer to this doubt, said the best thing he could have said. He said, “Come and see.”

What is it in your life that seems confusing to you in regard to your life or in regard to the many truths of our faith? If there is something that you struggle with in this way, then listen to the words of Philip and allow them to be spoken to you: “Come and see.”

Once Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus, Nathanael quickly professed his full faith in Jesus as the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel.” Jesus said very little to Nathanael to convince him of these truths. Jesus simply told Nathanael that he had seen him sitting under the fig tree and that He knew that Nathanael was a man without guile. To be without guile means that you are not two-faced; rather, you are a very honest and straightforward person. Nathanael’s immediate realization of the greatness of Jesus could have only come by the gift of grace working in his soul. He came to see Jesus and believed through the interior gift of faith.

The lesson of Nathanael tells us that if we bring our confusion to our Lord in faith and openness, all will be made clear. We will have our temptations to doubt removed, and we will be able to have faith that goes far beyond human reason alone.

Reflect, today, upon the genuineness and openness of the heart of Nathanael. Bring to our Lord any and every question you have with the expectation that you will receive what you need. Faith does not usually come through convincing arguments or detailed deductive reasoning. It normally comes through a pure and simple openness to the Voice of God speaking within our soul. But when the gift of faith is given, it brings with it a holy certainty that cannot be doubted.

My loving Lord, You invite all of us to come to You, to see You and to have faith in You. You truly are the Son of God and the King of all. Please open my mind to all that You wish to say to me so that I may shed my doubts and come to a transforming faith in all things. Jesus, I trust in You.

Saint Rose of Lima

Saint of the Day for August 23

Born Isabel Flores y de Oliva in Lima Peru in 1586, her father was a cavalryman in the Spanish army (born in Puerto Rico) and her mother, Maria de Oliva, was a native of Lima.

Isabel's nickname "Rose" was a testament to her holiness. When just a baby, a servant claimed to have seen her face transformed into a rose. At 13, when confirmed by the Archbishop of Lima (Turibius de Mongrovejo who was later proclaimed a saint) Isabel formally took the name of Rose.

As a young person, and in imitation of Saint Catherine of Siena, Rose began fasting three times a week and performed severe penances in secret. She spent hours contemplating the Blessed Sacrament, which she received daily, rare in those days. She regularly abstained from meat and spent her days making lace, fine embroidery and performing acts of charity. The lace and refined embroidery she sold to support her family and the poor. The fame of her holiness spread far and wide attracting the attention of the Dominican monks who invited her to become a nun. Her father refused and she instead entered the Third Order of St Dominic (wear the habit of a nun but live in the home of her family). She wore a crown of silver, with thorns on the inside in imitation of the crown of thorns worn by Christ, hidden by roses. She was a contemporary and friend of the Dominican monk Martin de Porres, who is also a saint.

Rose was a friend of the poor and frequently gave away everything she had to help a poor or sick person at her door. Renowned for her generosity and her great holiness, she also experienced feelings of great sadness as if God were far away and hours of ecstasy where she would rejoice in God's unending love. She cheerfully offered all these troubles to God. She endured these penances until her death as expiation for the sins of idolatry of her country (pagan and Incan), for the conversion of sinners and for the respose of the souls in purgatory.

Rose prophesized her death exactly, age 31, on August 24, 1617. Her funeral was conducted by the Archbishop and attended by all of the public authorities in Lima. Beatified in 1667, she was canonized in 1671 as the first saint from the Americas. She is the patron saint of the Philippines, embroiderers, gardeners, South America, and the patron saint of our parish. Her feast day is August 23.


Reflection

The life of Saint Rose of Lima reveals many things to us. Penance is good, but it takes great holiness to discover this mysterious and deep truth. The “good life” is not one that is filled with worldly successes, riches, or honors, but is discovered only in an act of divine union. Furthermore, those who make the biggest difference in this world for the good are those who radically and completely give themselves over to the service of God, holding nothing back, so that God can take to Himself all that they are. As we honor this great saint of Peru, ponder her simple and hidden life. Everyone can imitate her life and virtues, even though her depth of prayer and commitment to penance can, at first, be intimidating. Try to discover the truths that she discovered, and seek to imitate her by making at least one small choice each day to live a deeper life of prayer and penance. From Heaven, you will never regret such a decision.

Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint of the Day for August 22

The Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 22, honors Mary as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. In our time, we celebrate the Queenship of Mary eight days after the Solemnity of the Assumption. This feast emphasizes Mary’s exalted role in salvation history and her continued intercession for the Church and humanity.

The title “Queen” is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Queen Mother held a position of honor and influence in the royal court, and Mary is recognized as the Mother of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Mary’s role is highlighted through her fiat (her yes) to God’s plan, her role in the Incarnation, and her presence throughout Jesus’ life and ministry.

The dogma of the Queenship of Mary was formally established by Pope Pius XII in 1954, in the encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam. The Church honors Mary as Queen not only for her divine motherhood but also for her unique participation in the work of salvation, her virtues, and her close association with Christ’s redemptive mission.

Today we honour her not just as the Mother of God’s Son but, because he is now Christ the King, she, as the mother of a king, is a Queen. We remember this, each time we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Mary, as Queen, is also Jesus’ First Disciple, having given herself totally and unconditionally to God’s will for her. Let us ask her to help us to follow in her footsteps that we may live up to our own calling to be Priests, Prophets and Kings and Queens in Christ’s Mystical Body.

Mary’s queenship is characterized by her humility and service. She reigns not with earthly power but with a maternal care that guides and intercedes for the faithful. This feast encourages the faithful to look to Mary as a model of virtue and to seek her intercession in their daily lives.

Reflection

Though the liturgical and theological evolution of today’s memorial might seem complex, the heart of it is simple. We not only have a mother in Heaven, we also have a Queen Mother. As Mary is the Queen Mother of God, we must turn to her with childlike faith and simplicity. As a young child runs to a loving mother in time of need, never questioning her love, protection, and care, so we must run to her. She is our protector, our refuge, our hope, and our sweet delight. Her affection is perfect and her motherly love is unmatched.

As we honor the Queen of Heaven today, ponder the Church’s ever-deepening understanding of her role. As the Church has increased its comprehension of Mary’s exalted role through the centuries, so we must individually make this discovery throughout our lives. Turn to her, seek her prayers, rely upon her intercession, and honor her as your mother and your queen.