August 25


Just a few days ago, I hugged my son goodbye.  He is now on his own and beginning the adventures of college life.  Though I am thrilled for him, it is heartrending to let him go.  I am so grateful for cell phones, text messaging, Skype, and the Miraculous Medal my son wears!  

In fact, my son going off to college, and my blogging partner's oldest son beginning high school prompted us to begin St. Monica's Prayer Group.  It was only logical that we chose St. Monica as our patron saint - after all, her tears and persistent prayer for nearly 20 years obtained the conversion of her son St. Augustine. 


Shortly after we had begun St. Monica's Group, we attended a Divine Mercy Conference and heard Fr. Donald Calloway speak about his own truly amazing conversion.  A previous drug addict and criminal, he is now a surfer-priest with with a tremendous love for Jesus and Mary!  


We encourage everyone to read Fr. Donald's book - No Turning Back, a Witness to Mercy.  He tells his story with candor and simplicity, and devotes one chapter to his mother, referring to her as his own St. Monica.  His message to mothers who have suffered a broken heart is a message of hope.  He wants us to know that there is always hope because God can change things. We may not see change immediately, but things will change for the better if we persevere in prayer and love like his mother (and St. Monica) did - the tears of  a mother are powerful before God.