Saint Augustine: take up and read
Saint Augustine, Confessions VIII, 12
Augustine, a very bright young man from North Africa, had drifted away from the faith, and his mother, Saint Monica, prayed and wept for him. One day, in Milan, he heard a voice singing “Take up and read.” He opened the letters of Saint Paul, and his life changed. Saint Augustine, Confessions VIII, 12
The story, in plain words
Augustine was born in the year 354 in Thagaste, in North Africa. As a young man he drifted away from the faith of the Church. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008
His mother, Saint Monica, wept much and prayed much to God for her son’s conversion. Roman Martyrology, August 27
A bishop told Monica that the son of so many tears could not be lost. Saint Augustine, Confessions III, 12
One day, in Milan, Augustine was weeping under a fig tree. He was asking God how long he would go on like this. Saint Augustine, Confessions VIII, 12 Then, from…
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See the mapTo talk about together
- Monica prayed for her son for many years. Who do you pray for with that kind of patience?
- Augustine found his answer by opening the Bible. Is there a line from the Bible that has helped you?
- For the child: What would you ask God for someone in your family?