Today we commemorate Augustine of Hippo, Pastor and Theologian. Numbered amongst the greatest of the Latin Church Fathers, Augustine’s early life was marked by participation in the moral laxity of his times. Converted to Christianity, in no small part due to the devotion of his mother and the preaching of Ambrose, bishop of Milan, Augustine became a staunch defender of the orthodox Christian faith. Augustine’s writings are still widely read and treasured by the Church.

Today we commemorate Monica, Mother of Augustine. Despite being widowed at a young age, Monica devoted herself to the welfare, spiritual and physical, of her children. Monica would follow her son, Augustine, to Rome and then to Milan, where she would finally see the fruit of her efforts (and the Holy Spirit’s work) as Augustine converted to Christianity.

Today we commemorate Monica, Mother of Augustine. Despite being widowed at a young age, Monica devoted herself to the welfare, spiritual and physical, of her children. Monica would follow her son, Augustine, to Rome and then to Milan, where she would finally see the fruit of her efforts (and the Holy Spirit’s work) as Augustine converted to Christianity.

Today we celebrate the festival of St. Bartholomew, Apostle. Called by Christ in Galilee (in the town of Cana, where Christ performed His first miracle), Bartholomew would become one of the first of Jesus’ twelve disciples. According to Church tradition, Bartholomew brought the Gospel to Armenia, where he was martyred.