RE Message continued

Dear Parents

This week we celebrate two significant saints in the Church namely St Monica and St Augustine. “Saint Augustine was born in Hippo, a Roman city in modern Algeria in AD 354. Augustine’s mother was Monica. Her name is thought by anthropologists to have been a derivative from the ancient Berber god, Mon. The Berber people are indigenous to North Africa.” Saint Augustine and St Monica are therefore regarded as one of the first African saints.

St Monica, a mother who modeled incredible faith and a fervent prayer life. She truly believed in the core purpose of her son’s life. Monica, despite Augustine being really wayward for so many years, remained relentless in her devotion to her son. She never gave up on him. Her reward eventually illuminated a life of meaning for him. She was his rock. Their story often reminds me to never give up despite the seemingly challenging obstacles presented to us in life. St Augustine reminds us to “trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to his providence.” It too reminds me of the quote in Luke 18vs1, always pray and never give up.

Yes, sometimes it takes courage and discernment to believe in God’s timing.

Often we are faced with really difficult circumstances and remembering to place our fears, challenges and hopes at the foot of the cross can bring a sense of comfort and inner peace. The patience and deep faith held by St Monica is a gentle reminder that our journey of authentic transformation needs time and space for the Holy Spirit to evolve our hearts to bear meaningful and holistic change both internally and externally.

Ms Stubbs

Head of RE/Ethos