Today is the feast of Saint Monica who was the mother of Saint Augustine. Monica is the patron saint of mothers - and here's why... At about the age of 17, Augustine began a relationship with a young
woman in Carthage. Though his mother wanted him to marry, the woman remained his lover, the couple persisting in the
relationship for over fifteen years and producing a son. In addition to a profligate life, Augustine was a thief and a heretic. Saint Monica prayed for Augustine's conversion for 17 years. In 385, Augustine ended his relationship with his lover in order to prepare to
marry a teenage heiress but before marrying here, Augustine underwent a great conversion, became a priest and bishop and one of the greatest theologians in the history of the Church.
Lord,
I pray this night for mothers
who long for their children to find a home
in the faith we share in the life of the Church
where the gospel is preached
and the grace of sacraments
nourish and bind us together,
all of us, one in you...
I pray this night for mothers
whose loving hearts break
when they watch their children lay aside
the wisdom and truth they've lived and taught
and faithfully handed on...
I pray this night for mothers who worry,
"How did I fail? Where did I go wrong?"
Help them see all the good
they've faithfully done
and all the ways they've done
to raise their own in the faith we hold...
Help them trust that you, with patience and mercy,
delight in their children and care for them;
that you call them by name, move in their hearts,
heal their hurts and forgive their sins,
so great is your love and desire for them to
to find their faith and peace in you...
And I pray tonight for mothers
who've prayed and prayed, for years and years
and who sometimes, perhaps,
were too strong, even harsh,
in calling their own to the Church and the faith
they so much want them to share.
Give them patience, Lord, and trust in you,
in the saving grace you offer us all
as we stumble and bumble our way to you,
seeking that peace most fully found
in your love, in your word,
in your mercy and grace,
in your Church and the gospel of joy...
Saint Monica,
pray for all mothers...
Saint Monica,
pray for our children...
Saint Monica,
pray for each one of us
as you prayed for Augustine, your son...
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Tonight's song by the Getty's is from PBS Atlanta's 2015 concert: Joy - an Irish Christmas. This accounts for the verse in Gaelic (translation provided below).
A Mother's Prayer by Kristyn and Keith Getty
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Before you close your eyes to sleep
I have a promise still to keep
As I hold you in my arms.
I pray your little frame grows strong
And that faith takes hold while you are young;
This is my prayer for you.
Hold my hand;
I’ll teach you the Way to go.
Through the joys, through the tears,
The journey of these years,
May you trust Him ‘til the end.
May you trust Him in the end.
This world is not as it should be,
But the Savior opens eyes to see
All that’s beautiful and true.
Oh may His light fill all you are
And the jewel of wisdom crown your heart;
This is my prayer for you.
Hold my hand;
I’ll teach you the Way to go.
Through the joys, through the tears,
The journey of these years,
He is with us ‘til the end.
He is faithful ‘til the end.
Dún do shúil
Close Your eyes
Dún do shúil, a rún mo chroí
Close your eyes, oh love of my heart
A chuid den tsaol, ‘s a ghrá liom
My worldly joy, my treasure
Dún do shúil, a rún mo chroí
Close your eyes, oh love of my heart
Agus gheobhair feirín amárach…
And you will get a gift tomorrow
You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach
As the road will rise to lead your feet
On a journey of your own.
May my mistakes not hinder you
But His grace remain and guide you through;
This is my prayer for you.
Take His hand
And go where He calls you to.
And whatever comes, seek Him
With all your heart;
This will be my prayer for you.
Father, hear my ceaseless prayer;
Oh keep them in your care.
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