Feast of St. Monica

I didn't realize that today on the traditional Roman Catholic calendar it is the feast day of St. Monica.  There isn't a traditional latin mass near me. I need to get better about watching the calendar. I have an app on my IPOD that shows both calendars, the Norvus Ordo and the Traditional.

St. Monica was a Christian given in  marriage to a pagan, Patricius and the lived in North Africa. He had a violent temper. St. Monica's mother in law lived with them, also and would cause problems for Monica. Patricius criticized his wife because of her Christian faith but as time went on he was converted and baptized before his death because of what he saw in Monica.

Monica had  three children, two boys and a girl. Augustine, the most famous, was 17 when his father died. He began to follow a heresy that brought much distress to Monica. One night, though,  Monica had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. She stayed very close to her son, praying and fasting for him.

At 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monica was determined to go along. One night he tricked his mother by telling her  he was going to the dock to speak to a friend. Instead, he set sail for Rome. Extremely hurt  after his trick she still followed him. She followed him to Rome but found out only that he had gone on to Milan.

In Milan, Augustine was influenced by the bishop, St. Ambrose.  He gave much instruction to Augustine. Monica would follow the bishop's advice, also.

She continued her prayers for Augustine and  Easter, 387, St. Ambrose baptized Augustine. There were others of his friends baptized at the same time. After that they would get together and they would study scripture and have many discussions about our beautiful faith.

 Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” Her prayers were answered.  She became ill shortly after and suffered much for nine days before her death.


I just love her. I love the fact that she never gave up on her son. She never stopped praying for him. She was just not willing to accept his being lost. She is such an example not to give up.

Pope Pius XII - Saved hundreds of thousands

Pope Piux XII                                    

I just watched this today. I  have heard people in discussing the Catholic church's role during the time of the holocaust put down the Catholic church, especially they put down Pope Pius XII.  I used to believe some of the lies, also. Little by little I am learning the truth.

This video definitely debunks the theory that the Catholic church did nothing. It isn't just a video of talks but it shows concrete evidence with documents and statements.  Worth watching.  I would love it if a wonderful Catholic would make a movie about his life. There is a documentary I have yet to watch called, A Hand of Peace.

Instructions from Rome regarding Liturgical Abuses

I love going to Mass on Sunday. I am a revert now for about four years. I was away for a long time. I had very little catechesis when I was younger. I don't blame any one person or the Church for that. I played a part in it, also. I was not a good student in school. I was more interested in socializing. So after returning I went through the Baltimore Catechism with my son, several times. We still go through it from time to time and I post things on the refrigerator frequently to help him, myself and my husband all to remember what Mass is, what the teachings of the Catholic church are and what we need to do to be faithful to Holy Mother Church. Little by little I am learning just what is the Catholic church, it's history and what truths are there but unfortunately I am learning that I am not the only one who doesn't know the teachings of the Church, what Mass is and what the teachings are. I do believe in my book reviews you will find the three books we used for catechism. I loved them.

Recently, I stumbled across this document which was helpful to me, so I thought I would post it. I am surprised at what things are actually liturgical abuses. It was comprised:  from the offices of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Rome, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, 25 March 2004  Francis Card. ArinzePrefect    Domenico Sorrentino Archbishop Secretary.


 I thought I would include the link here :  http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20040423_redemptionis-sacramentum_en.html


I am not one to interpret everything or understand everything, as I am learning. Just thought it would be good to read or skim through or just keep for reference.