On the occasion of the feast of Saint Monica, celebrated this August 27, the religious highlighted the transformative power of mothers who pray for their families and remain united “with one heart and one soul”.
On August 27, Fray Ismael Xuruc sent a special video message to the Monica Mothers on the occasion of the feast of their patron saint, Saint Monica. In it, he thanked them for their faithfulness and encouraged them to continue praying with hope for their children, husbands, and families.
The message was addressed both to members of ministries linked to the Augustinian Recollects and to those women who, from other places and communities, share the same charism. Fray Ismael recalled that the Monica Mothers are present in different countries and pray in Spanish, Portuguese, English, and other languages, yet they form one family.
“Distance does not separate you. What unites you is prayer and the example of Saint Monica,” he stated.
He also emphasized that each prayer offered for a child or a husband is spiritually joined to that of many other mothers around the world.
Choosing the path of prayer
Fray Ismael especially valued that the Monica Mothers have chosen prayer in the face of family difficulties, following the example of the mother of Saint Augustine.
As he noted, this simple and silent decision becomes a witness for their homes and a sign of hope for other mothers who live their circumstances with anguish, sadness, or pain.
“Remain steadfast like that mother from Tagaste who never stopped praying or hoping. Her tears bore fruit, and yours will as well,” he said.
The religious thanked the Monica Mothers for their commitment to the charism and their willingness to share it, inviting them to continue being a light in their homes and communities.
A network of support and hope
During the video message, Fray Ismael recalled the materials prepared each month to support the spirituality and mission of the Monica Mothers. He also invited them to follow the ministry’s WhatsApp channel to receive updates and the content prepared for them.
He also expressed special thanks to Giovanna, Nilsa, and the team responsible for giving voice to the monthly podcast.
“Your service reaches farther than you can imagine”, he assured them, acknowledging the work of those who make it possible for the content to reach mothers in different communities and countries.
To conclude, Fray Ismael asked for Saint Monica’s intercession for each of the mothers, for their children, and for the religious who accompany them. Finally, he congratulated this great family of women who pray “with one heart and one soul directed toward God.”
The video message was shared by the General Curia of the Augustinian Recollects and the Monica Mothers team on the occasion of the celebration of Saint Monica, a model of perseverance, trust, and prayer for the family.
