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.
Courtesy: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/st-monica-mother-of-st-augustine-august-27/
I noticed a lot of footballers in this World Cup and how their parents / grandparents shaped their journeys—Cristiano Ronaldo and his mother, Jude Bellingham and his mother, and Lionel Messi and his grandmother! There is always a parental figure (usually mother) identifying, supporting, and standing by their child through the daily grind!
My mother too did that and does that—when I see patients who I cannot help — I know one person whose prayers are answered every time—my mama! Growing up, I always believed my mom’s kiss had a magical power to make the day good—so as a school student till class 12, I made sure she gave me a kiss on my cheek every time I left from home!
My grandmother, like most Goan grandmothers, would bless our folded hands with the sign of the cross and end the blessing with a local phrase, “vhodlo zav,” meaning may you attain greatness in life!
Every video call with my parents always ends with them blessing me virtually and sending me kisses! I just finished a call before I sat to type this! It’s a blessing that calms me always—sometimes I’m in a hurry, but I always fold my hands and face them as I leave, for I know within my heart — the two people I can blindly trust with my life (because they gave it to me) are my parents!
Saint Monica is a mother with a heart of love and prayers for her child so fervently that she is now a patron saint of mothers! Of course I am no mother, but I am brought up with immense love by a very faith-filled one—who reminds me to say prayers, use the holy water, and says prayers for my patients when I ask her for extra edge to save the situation! The biggest aspect of Saint Monica is her unwavering faith in the Lord about her wayward son! Her faith is so strong that she knew he would return to the Lord.
I know this with every parent or child reading this—we often forget the saying “charity begins at home,” and so does prayer. Hence, instead of being so overtly generous about everyone we meet at our community and elsewhere, let’s start with prayers for our very own! Good or bad relationship—let’s close our eyes and say a short prayer of thanks!
Bless our mother / child with all the happiness and love. May you guide and protect their health and peace and keep them safe always .
AMEN.
