On Aug. 30, St. Monica Parish in Sussex, N.J., welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who celebrated a Mass for the feast day of its patroness, St. Monica.
Father Jan Wodziak, pastor of St. Monica, concelebrated the liturgy. Bishop Sweeney moved St. Monica’s feast day, which the universal Church celebrates on Aug. 27, to Aug. 30 in the Paterson Diocese, N.J., so that he could celebrate it at the Sussex County parish.
An early North African Christian saint, St. Monica (332–387 AD) was best known as the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the most important Christian theologians and philosophers.
Born into a Christian family, St. Monica was given in marriage to Patricius, a pagan Roman official, who was abusive and unfaithful. She eventually led him to convert to Christianity and be baptized before his death. For 17 years, St. Monica prayed for the conversion of Augustine, her wayward and rebellious eldest son, who was baptized by St. Ambrose in 387 AD.
The Catholic Church honors St. Monica as the patron saint of mothers, wives, and difficult marriages because of her resilient prayer life.
