St. Monica’s feast day is on August 27th. How fitting is it that her son’s feast day follows her on Friday, August 28th?!

The Facts

Saints Monica and Augustine are a mother-son duo of saintliness, but this wasn’t always the case. A devout Catholic, Monica had high hopes for her intelligent firstborn. But, as many children do, Augustine had other plans. He abandoned his faith and lived a life of sin for many years. His mother was distraught, and prayed ceaselessly for her son’s conversion back to the faith. Eventually, her prayers were answered, and Augustine returned to the Church. He went on to become a teacher, theologian, saint, and Doctor of the Church!

The Feast

Does it make you feel a little better that even a family of saints sometimes has fraught relationships?! Saints Monica and Augustine show us that the path to holiness isn’t always straight. Sometimes our children (or ourselves!) might lose their way, but the perseverance of St. Monica shows us that we should never give up on the souls of our loved ones. St. Augustine’s life teaches us that God can take a stubborn sinner and turn him into a saint.

Time to Celebrate!

CFC Pros… Don’t forget to display your Feast Day Art prints from last year’s crate and share the information on the back with your saints in training!

Good news! A festive feast doesn’t need to be fussy. Here are a few more easy ways we can all celebrate with Sts. Monica and Augustine.

• Pray over your children. St. Monica’s prayers led her rebellious son back to the Church. Never underestimate the power of praying for your children!
• Do a “Mom and Me” activity. If you can, find time this week to do a special “Mom and me” activity with each of your children. Something as simple as reading a story, playing a game, or going on a walk can help nurture your special relationship with your saint in training!

Interested in more ways to help keep your saints in training on the path to holiness?

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