Lacrimae Sancti Monicae

A dear Catholic friend with a deep respect for the Eucharist commended to me today--in a moment of near despair--the tears of Saint Monica.

If you have a friend whose self-destructive behavior is breaking your heart, I commend those tears to you along with this traditional prayer.

"Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray."

Like God the Father--Isaiah 66, Matthew 23--we can all express this motherly love for those wandering in some wilderness.