SAINT MONICA
Widow

DOUBLE / WHITE
In North Africa during the fourth century, Monica converted her pagan husband by the power of her prayers and her holy life. After her husband's death, she suffered intense grief when her brilliant son Augustine went astray in morals and faith. A saintly bishop consoled her with the words, "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." Augustine crossed over into Italy, but his mother followed him. There, by St. Augustine's marvelous conversion, Monica's sorrow was turned into joy.

Mass of a HOLY WOMAN, except

COLLECT
O God, You are the comfort of those who mourn and the Saviour of all who trust in You. Blessed Monica's loving tears moved You to convert her son Augustine. may we also grieve for our sins and win the grace of Your pardon through the intercession of these two saints. Through Our Lord . . .

GOSPEL Luke 7:11-16
At that time, And it came to pass afterwards that Jesus went into a city that is called Naim: and there went with him his disciples and a great multitude. And when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother: and she was a widow. And a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, he said to her: "Weep not." And he came near and touched the bier. And they that carried it stood still. And he said: "Young man, I say to thee, arise." And he that was dead sat up and begun to speak. And he gave him to his mother. And there came a fear upon them all: and they glorified God saying: "A great prophet is risen up among us:" and, "God hath visited his people."

SECRET
Accept this gift, O Lord, from a people dedicated to You. We offer it in honor of Your Saints for the help we have received from them when we were in trouble. Through our Lord . . .


POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, You have feasted Your family with the Food of Heaven. May we always be refreshed through the intercession of Your Saint whose feast we celebrate this day. Through our Lord . . .