 My six year old son is generally a good boy and really wants to make us proud of him. Every day I consider if we’re focusing on the right virtues that we want him to embody and whether he’ll be prepared to make the right choices throughout his life. Currently, his choices are much simpler than they will be as he gets older and I pray for him to feel God’s love and share it with others. Many mothers pray for their children all the time, but a woman who did this famously was St. Monica. St. Monica lived a life of virtue and fervent prayer. Although born and raised a Christian, she married Patricius, a man who was cruel and a pagan, and they had three children, who also lacked faith as they got older. Her eldest son was Augustine who led an immoral life, but St. Monica prayed for her husband’s and son’s conversion with a desperate fire. One year before his death, her prayers were answered and Patricius converted. Meanwhile, Augustine deceived his mother about his travel plans, but she ventured to never give up on him and followed him to Milan. There, she met St. Ambrose who became a spiritual advisor to her and, later, to Augustine’s as well. Without ceasing, St. Monica prayed for her son’s conversion and her prayers were answered on Easter in 387AD when St. Ambrose baptized St. Augustine and thus began his life of faith. Later, of course, St. Augustine would go on to write the Confessions and become a great theologian and Doctor of the Church. St. Monica died soon after her son’s conversion in 387AD, and she remains a patron saint of mothers, wives, and conversion. In an effort to impart some wisdom for our modern-day selves, who are full to the brim with things to do and places to be, let’s try ten ways to model virtuous lives like St. Monica:
Some of these examples may be challenging to achieve, but if we try with the little things, we could work up to the more involved actions as time goes on. St. Monica prayed and cried to such an extent, that her tears are said to have stained church floors. This fervence may seem extreme, but God used her love for her family in unimaginable ways. She knew God would answer her prayers, and in doing so, He used St. Augustine’s words and conversion-story to inspire hearts and change lives for thousands of years and more to come. We may never even realize the good that can come from the little we do in prayer. My son may never know the extent of the prayers that I pray for him and his future, nor the sacrifices my husband and I make for him, and he doesn’t need to! Having faith means trusting that our fervent prayers are enough. St. Monica believed this, and we can too. Resource: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-monica/
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 "Fix your whole heart upon God, and love Him with all your strength, for without this no one can be saved." (St. Louis IX, King of France) St. Louis of France (1215-1270) was notable for many things from leading the 7th and 8th crusades to the Holy Land to domestic fronts like building one of the most illustrious liturgical buildings in France. Even today, the Basilica of St. Denis, where he currently is laid to rest, is a popular tourist attraction for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. St. Louis today, though, is remembered for being one of the most influential saints of his time. In the Middle Ages, saints didn't often come from kings, but rather the opposite. They come as one of the lower class, living off either the land or what strangers can provide for them. Some choose to go to monasteries, or they choose to go out into the desert. St. Louis is a prime example of someone who has not just the opportunity, but also the influence to make changes. Like St. Louis, we are all called to be crusaders for Christ. A crusader is distinguished by not what they do, but what they believe in. When St. Louis went on crusade, he brought with him his faith. Similarly, we are called to lead with faith and be a crusader for Jesus. I go to The Catholic University of America, and when looking at all of the banners, a message comes to mind. One banner that stands out says “Lead with Light”. As crusaders for Jesus, we must lead with the light in our souls that makes us children of the Father. As crusaders, not only are we called to lead with light, but we are also called to serve for the Lord. As a crusader, not only are we projecting what we believe in to be true, but we are also accomplishing acts for the faith we believe in. To be a Catholic means to serve and to be selfless. As Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, so must we serve others before we serve ourselves. St. Louis was prominent in this regard, serving as both king to a nation, general to his men, and father to his 11 children. For example, St. Louis was often known to be inviting homeless and disabled people into his castle to dine with him. Like Christ, he was also recognized to wash the feet of all the people who entered his palace. St. Louis is super important to me. My family originally was centered around the St. Louis area in Missouri, we are St. Louis sports fans, and it’s one of my favorite places in America to go to. When I was preparing for Confirmation, and learned about the actual St. Louis that is the derivation of all of my favorite things, I knew it was a calling. St. Louis spoke to me about his crusading traits that made him who he was and who he is to me today. I look up to St. Louis for spiritual help, and I hope that you will too. St. Louis IX, King of France, Pray for Us!
 In Matthew’s gospel, chapter 16, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples reply that some say John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. When Christ presses them further, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter steps forward and answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Christ, responds: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, by my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I build my Church.” As Simon names Christ, Christ renames Simon. Simon’s recognition of Christ’s identity merits him a new identity, both by name, and by acceptance into God’s family. Simon, once son of Jonah, becomes Peter, child of God, disciple of Christ, the rock of the Church. Our Christianity—our proclamation that Jesus Christ is Lord—brings forth a new identity in all of us. The process first begins at baptism. On our behalf, our parents and godparents echo the sentiments of Peter through a profession of faith while the priest, describes our new identities through the words of the baptismal rite (emphases mine):
“You have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ. See in this white garment the outward sign of your Christian dignity. With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.” Not only does the baptismal garment symbolize the state of our souls, freed from original sin, but it also reflects on the nature of clothing as a sign of identity. A priest in his collar, an athlete in his uniform, a mother with a diaper bag slung over her shoulder - what we put on our bodies says something about who we are. During our baptism, we are clothed with Christ - the pure and spotless victim, symbolized by a pure and spotless garment. The white of our baptismal garments also represents the invitation of Christ to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or gender. Despite the divisions we impose on one another through our many secondary identities, Christ makes no distinctions among the members of his Father’s house. As St. Paul says in his letter to the Galatians: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our primary identity in Christ is universal and unified. So, what does our identity in Christ mean for us in the day to day? The baptismal rite covers that too. “With your family and friends to help you by word and example, bring that [Christian] dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.” St. James puts it a slightly different way: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” To the best of our abilities, as members of God’s family we must do two things: care and keep. Care: Be a doer of the word! Who needs your help? Ask God to show you who the orphans and widows are in your life, i.e., who needs you to provide something for them, whether it is material, emotional, or spiritual support. At some point, YOU will be a widow or orphan for someone else. When that time comes, ask God for the humility to accept help. Keep: Keep spotless your baptismal garment! Avoid the near occasion of sin, and when you don’t, repent and start over. Go to confession, receive the Eucharist, and spend as much time as you can in prayer. Grow close to Christ through your own sanctification. These directives from the baptismal rite and St. James depend on one another. The closer you are to Christ, the more you will serve his people. The more you serve his people, the closer you are to Christ. Notice that the baptismal rite specifies that you need the help of your “family and friends” to maintain your Christian dignity. You’re not in this alone. You have an entire community of believers behind you. Let’s be doers of the word together. *This blog is reposted and was originally published September 11, 2018.* AuthorLindsay Myers is a former Editing Associate at the Catholic Apostolate Center.
 Mission starts with Jesus Christ. Through Baptism, he gives us a share in his mission until he comes again. We are blessed to part of this mission and all of us are co-responsible for it. We need to collaborate with one another, not be in competition with one another, in living the mission that he has given each of us in communion. We do not know where the mission will take us. We are called to trust in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, and guidance of the Church, we will discern where we need to go forth and how we need to do it. We will be surprised at times where the mission will take us. Sometimes, we might think that we do not fully have what is needed to do it. The Holy Spirit will give us what is needed. Usually, what is needed is that we collaborate well with other believers and are sharers in the same mission. When we do that, then our efforts will last. August 17th, I celebrated 40 years of Consecration in the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. When I first made the six Promises of the Pallottines - Chastity, Poverty, Obedience, Perseverance, Sharing Resources, and Spirit of Service in the same parish church of my Baptism, First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation, and later Ordination to the Priesthood, little did I know as a son of St. Vincent Pallotti where living the mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Apostle of the Eternal Father would take me. Every step of the way, there were others, laity, religious, and clergy, who shared in the mission with me. The mission starts with Christ, but we need to respond. We are not individuals on mission; we are apostles on mission! We are sent together and Christ is with us, the Holy Spirit guides us, unites us, and moves us forward. As we live the mission of Christ, let us be in prayer for one another. May the charity of Christ urge us on! In God, the Infinite Love, Fr. Frank
 Strengthening Your Faith as the School Year Begins The beginning of a new school year brings a familiar change of pace. Summer schedules give way to classes, meetings, practices, homework, work responsibilities, and activities. Whether you are a student, parent, teacher, or simply someone whose schedule becomes busier in the fall, this transition provides an opportunity to establish good habits—not only academically and professionally, but spiritually. For Catholics, the beginning of the school year can be a good time to examine our relationship with Christ and consider how we can make our faith a more consistent part of daily life. Growing in faith does not necessarily require adding a long list of activities to an already busy schedule. Instead, it can mean intentionally making room for prayer, formation, the sacraments, and the witness of the saints. Here are several practical ways to strengthen your faith as the school year begins. Establish a Consistent Prayer Routine One of the simplest ways to grow in faith is to pray consistently. A busy schedule can make prayer seem like another responsibility competing for our attention, but prayer is not simply another task to complete. It is how we develop our relationship with God. Consider establishing a specific time for prayer each day. This might be first thing in the morning, during a commute, before going to bed, or during another predictable part of your schedule. Even a few minutes of intentional prayer can help establish a habit. Your prayer routine could include Scripture, the Rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual reading, or simply time spent speaking with God and listening in silence. The important thing is consistency. A manageable prayer routine that you actually follow is more beneficial than an ambitious plan that quickly becomes unrealistic. Follow the Lives of the Saints The Catholic Church does not simply give us teachings to study; she gives us people to imitate. The saints demonstrate that holiness is possible in many different circumstances and vocations. They were priests and religious, parents and workers, scholars and students, missionaries and martyrs. Their lives remind us that following Christ is not limited to one particular way of life. The beginning of the school year is an especially good time to become more familiar with the saints. The Catholic Apostolate Center's Catholic Feast Days website is a useful way to incorporate the lives of the saints into your daily routine. The free app provides information about saints and blesseds, special devotions, and other celebrations of the liturgical calendar. It also provides daily notifications, making it possible to learn about a different holy man or woman throughout the year. Rather than simply noting a saint's name, take a few minutes to ask what that person's life can teach you. What virtue did he or she practice? What difficulties did the saint encounter? How did that person respond to God's call? Make Sunday Mass the Center of Your Week As schedules become crowded, Sunday Mass should remain a priority. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, and participation in Mass provides the foundation for everything else we do as Catholics. The beginning of a new school year can be a good opportunity to look at your Sunday routine and make Mass a fixed part of it. If you are a parent, consider how you can help your children understand that Sunday Mass is not simply another event on the weekend calendar. If you are a student, especially a college student living away from home, find a parish near your school and become part of its community. The goal is not simply to fit Mass into our schedule. Our schedules should be ordered around our relationship with God. Continue Learning About Your Faith Faith grows through prayer, but it also grows through formation. Catholics should continue learning about the faith throughout their lives. We do not need to become theologians, but we should seek to understand more deeply what the Church teaches and why. The school year itself can provide a helpful framework for this. Consider choosing one Catholic book to read over the course of a semester. It could focus on Scripture, the sacraments, the saints, prayer, Church history, or evangelization. The Catholic Apostolate Center's online store offers books and other formation resources that can be used for individual or group study. Resources such as The Art of Accompaniment provide practical ways to deepen our understanding of how Catholics are called to live and share their faith. The Center also offers resources related to St. Vincent Pallotti and Pallottine spirituality. You do not need to read an entire book at once. Set aside ten or fifteen minutes several times a week and allow the material to become part of your regular spiritual formation. Use Your Commute or Free Time for Catholic Formation Many people have small periods of unused time throughout the day. A commute, walk between classes, workout, or household chore can provide an opportunity to listen to something that strengthens your faith. The Catholic Apostolate Center Podcasts offer audio resources on Catholic faith formation, evangelization, Church history, and contemporary topics. The Center's On Mission podcast features conversations about practical aspects of Catholic life and missionary discipleship, while other audio resources include reflections and blogcasts. Listening to a Catholic podcast will not replace prayer or participation in the sacraments, but it can complement those practices and help keep your faith present throughout an otherwise busy day. Begin With One Habit There is no need to overhaul your entire spiritual life on the first day of school. Choose one habit and begin there. Pray for five minutes each morning. Learn about the saint of the day. Attend Sunday Mass faithfully. Read a Catholic book. Listen to a Catholic podcast during your commute. Find one concrete way to serve another person each week. Small practices, when repeated consistently, can shape our lives over time. The beginning of the school year offers a natural opportunity to establish those practices and to place Christ more intentionally at the center of our daily routines. As schedules fill and responsibilities increase, our faith should not become something we fit in only when there is extra time. Instead, our relationship with Christ should shape how we approach our studies, work, relationships, and responsibilities. A new school year is a new opportunity to grow in faith, deepen our relationship with God, and go forth as missionary disciples in the ordinary circumstances of our lives.
 As we begin this month of August, we trudge into another month of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar. That doesn’t mean, however, that we don’t have much to look forward to with feast days this month. August is filled with feast days from saints who lived less than a century ago, all the way to saints from the early Church—from religious to laity, from saints I’ve learned about my whole life, to saints I had never heard of before. Let us take time throughout this month of August to learn about the Christ-filled lives of these powerful saints. Saints who Founded Religious Communities: There are many saints this month who founded religious communities—all of which have had a great impact on the Church. St. Dominic founded the Dominicans, also known as the Order of Preachers, which is a religious order known for their preaching and rich intellectual history. St. Clare of Assisi worked with St. Francis of Assisi and helped found the Poor Clares, a group of contemplative nuns and the second branch of the Franciscans to be founded, just after the Order of Friars Minor. Back in the time of the early church, St. Augustine wrote the Rule of St. Augustine, which became the foundation for the Augustinians. In the 12th century, St. Bernard of Clairvaux helped spread the Cistercian Order, an order of monks and nuns that branched off from the Benedictines and remains strong today. St. Cajetan helped found the Theatines which became a religious order with many bishops and intellectuals in the Church. With the help of St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane Frances de Chantal founded the Visitation Order which was a religious order open to women who had been turned down from other orders for poor health or similar reasons. The French mystic St. John Eudes founded two religious orders in the 1600s, both following St. John Eudes’ special devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. More recently, in the 18th century, St. Alphonsus Liguori founded the Redemptorists, a religious community with a special devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. In the 19th century, French priest St. Peter Julian Eymard helped found two religious orders, both with a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. At first, I found this list quite overwhelming. These saints founded and/or helped spread their religious orders, something I can’t even fathom, especially in our pandemic-affected world today. But then I recognized the beauty that comes to the Church as a result of this wide range of religious communities. Each community is called to follow their own unique charism, all while growing closer to Christ and bringing Him to others. After sitting with this, I realized that there is beauty in the lives of each of these saints and in how the Church works in many ways, through many charisms, to help lead everyone to a life of holiness. Martyrs in the Month: In a six day stretch next week, we will celebrate three well-known martyrs in the Church. Back in the early Church, St. Lawrence was killed and is famous for his quips as he was being grilled to his death—showing his faith in Christ to the end. Much more recently, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was a Discalced Carmelite nun who was killed at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II because of her Jewish heritage. Similarly, St. Maximillian Kolbe was martyred at Auschwitz, giving his life in place of another prisoner, and was thus bestowed the title “martyr of charity”. While we may not face martyrdom like these saints, we can learn from how they trusted Christ and pray for their intercession in our lives. Saints and Their Country: Later this month, we will celebrate the feast days of three saints who are known by their primary locations: St. Stephen of Hungary, St. Louis of France, and St. Rose of Lima. These saints all lived incredible lives, all very authentic to the community in which they lived. As we progress through this month, these saints can serve as role models for us in how we can follow Christ and bring others to Him in whatever region we find ourselves. As we walk through this August, let us look to the lives of the saints to learn to be saints right where God has called us to be through whatever charism He calls us to. To learn more about the saints, visit our Catholic Feast Days Website by clicking here. To view a calendar of the feast days in August, and each month, click here. *This blog is reposted and was originally published on August 3, 2021.* Author
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