It’s often said that saints beget saints. Today the Church honors Saint Monica, and tomorrow Saint Augustine, her son. But what we now celebrate in joy Monica first sought with tears, with sorrow that begot a saint. Augustine’s Confessions portray the life that made the long-suffering Monica the patroness of difficult marriages and disappointing sons. Reflecting on her life we might sum her up as the patron saint of those who grieve. Grief is a weight that clings to [...]