St. Monica is known for her ardent and unceasing prayers for her son who, for many years, lived a debaucherous life while espousing beliefs opposing the Catholic faith. After seemingly endless pleas to God, St. Monica’s prayers were miraculously answered. Not only did her son return to the faith, but he also became a priest, bishop, saint and Doctor of the Church. Do you have a child who has left the Church or needs to be strengthened in the faith? Begin or renew your prayers in honor of the Aug. 27 and 28 feast days of St. Monica and St. Augustine. Join “Millions of Monicas” for an hour of guided prayer every Monday at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, where dozens of women have found solace through prayer and the realization that they aren’t alone in their concern for their children’s souls. As the only “Millions of Monicas” group in the state, the Triad chapter is holding an open house at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, in St. Paul the Apostle’s parish hall prior to the group’s weekly scheduled prayer from 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays in the church. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Parental prayer and sacrifice also played a major role in the life of St. Pius X. Born into a devout but poor family in 1835, Joseph Sarto knew he wanted to be a priest from a young age. Not knowing where the money for his studies would come from, his mother, Margherita Sanson, prayed and sacrificed for her son even as she was left to care for nine children after her husband’s death. By providence young Joseph earned a scholarship to the seminary and was ordained in 1858. Throughout his ministry, including his 11-year pontificate, he remained a humble country priest at heart who believed in the power of prayer coupled with action as he combated modernism, addressed social issues, promoted love for the Blessed Sacrament, and performed great acts of charity. In honor of his Aug. 21 feast day, pray for the intercession of this saintly pope at home or at the church in Greensboro dedicated to him.