27/08/2026
DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR ERRING CHILD
1. A child is a gift. The speciality of this gift rests on the fact that it comes from God. It is God who gives children. If God offers you a gift, He has an intention. God doesn't just give for giving sake, He gives with purpose and meaning. While some parents are happy with the gift of their children, others aren't for obvious reasons.
2. I ask:
•As a parent, how do you relate with your “stubborn” child(ren)?
•Have you given up on your child(ren)?
•How are you managing the behaviour of your child(ren) as a parent?
•Which words do you use as a parent for your erring child(ren)?
•As a parent, do you believe that despite the negative comments made about your child(ren), something positive can emerge?
For answers to these questions, let's turn our attention to St. Monica, whose memorial is celebrated today (27-8-2026).
3. St. Monica was born in Northern Africa (Thagaste, Algeria) in the year 331. This origin confirms the role of Africa in the Christian religion. It reminds us of the fact that Africa has contributed in the past, Africa is still contributing, and Africa will contribute greatly in the future. Today, the Church in Africa has every cause to celebrate.
4. St. Monica married Patricius, a non-Christian, with whom she had these children: Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua.
•Lesson: You need not be a Priest or a Religious before you become a saint. If a married woman (Monica) is a Saint, you too can become a saint.
5. As a married woman, St. Monica didn’t have it easy, especially with her pagan husband, who was abusive.
•Sadly, this is the order of the day in some marriages. The situation is that, it’s not only husbands who abuse wives. No! Some wives also abuse their husbands. These abuses include physical harm, insults, etc.
•Today, we implore couples to learn from this situation. Abuses in marriage solve nothing. The hands that are used in hurting should be used in assisting a worthy cause. The mouth that is used in insulting should be used in commending a partner.
6. St. Monica was a woman of charity. She was a woman who freely gave. She was a woman who was there for the other person. She was a woman of sacrifice.
•The sad reality is that selfishness seems to be the order of the day. The world is now “I or me.” There is nothing like “he, she or they.”
•Today, St. Monica calls our attention to be there for the other person. She tells us that we need not have everything before we show love. In your inadequacy, you can still offer a part of that to someone without anything. Give freely. Give joyfully. Give with good intentions.
7. St. Monica converted her husband to the Christian faith.
•I ask: When did you become a Christian? How many soul(s) have you led to Jesus? How many soul(s) have abandoned the faith because of you?
•Today, St. Monica shows us the way. She tells us of what we are to do.
8. The subject of St. Augustine in relation to St. Monica is amazing. For 17 solid years, St. Monica prayed for her "stubborn" son, which eventually led to his conversion. St. Monica didn't give up, but she persevered till the end.
•I ask again: Do you have a child(ren) who is(are) giving you “problems?” Have you given up already on your child(ren)?
This message is from St. Monica:
•Never give up on your child(ren) no matter the situation.
•The mouth with which you use to curse your child(ren), use it to pray for your child(ren).
•As you rebuke your erring child(ren), commend them for a good work done.
•Set good examples for your child(ren).
9. Finally, please find below the prayer of St. Monica:
•Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine; your prayers were answered. Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favourably hear my plea for (mention your intention here) and grant me the grace to accept His will in all things. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
It is well....🌿