Today’s Word:

It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.
– Mother Teresa of Calcutta

On This Date…

On August 27, 387, Saint Monica died in Ostia, the seaport of Rome. After battling an illness for nine days, she died at age 65.

Monica & Augustine

Monica had two sons and a daughter. She had prayed for the conversion of her oldest son, Saint Augustine, since he was 16 years old. Augustine was baptized at age 32 on April 24, 387, along with his own 16-year-old son Adeodatus. Saint Monica, who was present, became overjoyed at their baptisms.

Both Augustine and Adeodatus were with Monica when she died, and both were “overwhelmed with grief.”

Saint Monica’s last words were, “Nothing is far from God.”

Saint Monica not only prayed for Augustine’s conversion, but she also supported him during his 16-year journey toward God. She never faltered in her faith nor in her love for her son.

On August 27, 1910, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India was born in Yugoslavia. At age 18, she entered the convent in Ireland, joining the Sisters of Loreto.

That same year, she traveled as a missionary to India. She taught high school geography, and later became principal of a girls’ academy, Saint Mary’s. In 1948, Mother Teresa received permission to leave teaching, and she devoted her life to serving the poor in the slums of Calcutta. She served in India until her death in 1997.

Mother Teresa once said, “It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.”

Let us keep in mind the powerful words of Saint Monica and Mother Teresa as we embark upon a new school year here at Archmere.

– Father McLaughlin