Back to School, Back to Prayer with Saintly Moms

Aug 25

Today is the feast of St. Monica. Monica was the early Christian wife and mother who saw her husband and son both convert to Christianity after years of tears, prayers, and witness to her own faith.

Because her oldest son became a great writer, theologian, bishop, and saint, her story has been preserved and shared to this day. Her example of unconditional love and patient endurance has inspired generations of spouses and parents to pray for the conversion of their loved ones. She is so revered in this area that the Church has named her the patroness of wives, mothers, and the conversion of relatives.

She is remembered on the church calendar at the end of every summer. This is the same time that many parents see their children leave home for the first time. The end of August is a time when many parents shed tears and pray as their children leave home. Moms, dads, and guardians worry about the safety, health, and emotional support of their children. Christian parents also worry the children may drift away from the faith of their fathers and mothers.

The life of Monica is a reminder to never give up. In many ways, her life reminds me of St. Jane de Chantal. While they share the vocation of motherhood, it is their persistence in prayer in – their tenacity in holding onto the faith - where I really see the similarities. When she became a nun, St. Jane often counseled her spiritual daughters on the need to keep praying: "In prayer one must hold fast and never let go, because the one who gives up, loses all. If it seems that no-one is listening to you, then cry out even louder. If you are driven out of one door, go back in by the other.”

These were more than words of advice from Jane and Monica. They were a way of life.

How appropriate that both women, both prayer-warriors, are remembered in the same month. The end of summer can bring about worry and stress as a new school year begins and new challenges come our way. The words of Padre Pio beautifully summarize the philosophy of Monica and Jane. They can provide a plan for all parents as the children follow a new path. “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Perhaps this can be our motto as parents, as teachers, as Christians.

A Parents Prayer for their children as they leave for school:

My God,

As my children leave for school,
I pray that you will keep them in your care.
Give them the grace to open their minds
to all that is true, beautiful, and good.
Help them to see the gifts and talents
you have given them and to use them well.
Let them grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Help them to be kind to others
and lead others be kind to them.
Send your angels to guide and guard my children
and to keep them from all harm.
Open their hearts to your presence
and enfold them in your peace and protection.
Hold them in the palm of your hand
and bring them home safely at day's end.

Amen.

St. Monica, pray for us.
St. Jane de Chantal, pray for us.