My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the feast of Saint Augustine, a great Doctor of the Church whose restless heart finally found peace in God. His conversion is one of the most powerful stories of grace in the history of the Church. Yet we must remember that his transformation was not only the work of God’s grace but also the fruit of the persistent prayers of his mother, Saint Monica, who never gave up on her son.
Never Stop Praying
This is a message for all families: never stop praying for one another. Even when children stray, even when relationships are wounded, even when hope seems lost — prayer is the lifeline that connects us to God’s mercy. Augustine’s conversion reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. Monica’s tears remind us that the prayers of parents, spouses, and grandparents bear fruit in God’s time.
Vocation of Family
In the first reading, Saint Paul prays that the Thessalonians may “increase and abound in love for one another.” This is the vocation of the family: to be a school of love, forgiveness, and faith. The Gospel warns us to stay awake and be prepared, for we do not know the day or the hour. Families too are called to live each day in faith—through prayer at home, through small acts of kindness, through forgiveness and reconciliation.
A Happy Birthday
Today is also a joyful occasion for us: the birthday of Fr. Fred Jenga, CSC, President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. His ministry, like that of Saint Augustine after his conversion, is dedicated to guiding families to God, encouraging them to pray together and to remain steadfast in faith. We thank God for his leadership, vision, and witness of hope.
May Peace Prevail
But as we celebrate, we also remember with sorrow the victims of the tragic mass shooting in Minneapolis, including two innocent children who were attending Mass. In moments like this, when evil wounds families and communities, we turn to God in prayer. Just as Saint Monica wept for her son, we weep for these families and entrust them to God’s mercy. May their loved ones find comfort in the promise of Christ’s resurrection, and may peace prevail where violence seeks to destroy.
Brothers and sisters, Saint Augustine teaches us that God can transform even the darkest past into a future of grace. Let us be vigilant, let us be prayerful, and let us entrust our families and our world into God’s hands.
Prayer for Fr. Fred’s Birthday
Heavenly Father,
we thank You for the gift of life and vocation of Your servant, Fr. Fred Jenga, CSC.
Bless him today with joy, health, and peace.
Strengthen him in his mission of leading families to prayer and holiness.
May his witness inspire us to remain steadfast in faith,
and may Our Blessed Mother continue to guide his ministry.
Grant him many more years of fruitful service in Your vineyard.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy Birthday, Fr. Fred, and God bless you always!
- Today’s Readings
- Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")