Happy Feast of Saint Monica! I know you're like bruh what? In the Episcopal Church we celebrate the lives of those in the communion of saints who lives served as a model as to how we as 21st century Christians or saints in the making should live. We do not worship the saints, we venerate them, that is to say that we hold them in a very high, reverential regard.
In the spirit of Mother's day, allow me to tell you the story of St. Monica. Monica was born around 331 AD to a very devout and influential family in North Africa. St. Monica is said to be the patron saint of abuse victims, alcoholics, difficult marriages and wayward children. It is even said that as a child Monica had a bit of a drinking problem because one of her chores was to draw wine for the family meals. After being outed as a slight drunkie by a family slave, Monica, covered with guilt and shame, gave up the sauce and soon became baptized to lead a life of virtue and servitude to God.
Upon reaching the age of marriage, Monica's parents found a husband for her, as was the custom of that time. Monica married this pagan dude named Patricius. Patricius is described as a man of a violent temperment. I am sure that their house was not a happy home. Monica and Patricius had three children, two sons, Navigius, Augustine and a daughter Perpetua. Eventually after years of prayers and supplications, Patricius finally accepted Monica's faith and became a Christian, when Augustine was about 17 years old. Although Augustine was brilliant, he proved to have been a very difficult child. He was sent to Carthage, so that he might develop his talents and become a man of culture. Needless to say that after all the years
of praying for an abusive husband and a wayward and semi-prodigal son, Monica had her hands full.
When Augustine was in his late 20's, he duped his mother into thinking that he relocated to Rome, but had actually gone to Milan. While in Milan, Augustine came under the influence of Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan. Eventually Monica reunited with her son Augustine, and became a very cherished friend of Bishop Ambrose. One Easter, Ambrose baptized Augustine, much to Monica's pleasure. Not very long after Augustine's baptism, Monica's health began to decline and she died knowing that her life served as a witness to win over both her husband and wayward son over to the kingdom.
What I find to be particularly interesting is that in the city of Raleigh, NC,there are three historic institutions which honor the lives and connections of these saints. Monica, the praying wife and mother, Augustine the wayward son and, Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan. The historically black St. Monica's School was a Catholic school that educated hundreds of students during the time of segregation in Raleigh. The school is no longer in operation, but many of its alumni stand as a testament of the education they received from there. As a product of a Roman Catholic education, I too appreciate the value of the Catholic traditions and approaches to learning. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located in Raleigh operates the St. Monica Center as a part of its urban ministry. St. Augustine's College, also located in Raleigh, is one of three black Episcopal colleges in the nation. The Falcons of St. Augustine are a proud group of people who continually celebrate their legacy and alma mater. Finally, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, my home church was established in 1868 by alumni of St. Augustine's College. St. Ambrose Church has a strong and vibrant legacy and is the spiritual home to politicians, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs and the list continues.
I am not suggesting that if Monica never would have prayed, that these institutions would not be here today. The challenge for today is to live your life as Monica did and NEVER underestimate the power of your prayers. The task ahead of you is never greater than the prayer behind you.
Peace,
Karsten
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