The search for Divine Love demands of man every effort of intellect, a sound will, an upright heart, as well as the witness of others who teach him to seek God (CCC, 30).
St. Augustine
Saint Monica and The Gift of Prayer
St. Monica: “Son, as far as I am concerned, nothing in this life now gives me any pleasure. I do not know why I am still here, since I have no further hopes in this world.”
Saint Augustine of Hippo: Defender of Truth
St. Augustine’s life provides us with an example of the sublime fruits of grace which Christ bestows upon those who fall in love with the Divine Teacher of Truth. In doing so, Augustine was drawn to the Catholic Church, the holy dwelling place in which the fullness of truth subsists through the ages.
The Love of a Son: Saint Augustine, The Power of The Eucharist and The Gift of The Mass In Intercession for The Dead
With the approach of All Souls Day, let us remember that the love of St. Augustine for his mother, St. Monica, moved him to continue to offer his love for her through the supreme and saving sacrifice of the eucharistic celebration.
Corruption in the Church and Receiving the Sacraments from Sinful Priests
Given the recent exposure of corruption in the Chruch, some are tempted to resurrect the ancient heresy of the Donatists. Those outside the Church, as well as some within, wonder why any Catholic would bother attending Mass or receiving the sacraments or listening to the Church at all.