My dear friends,

This past week we Catholics celebrated two of our great saints, Monica and her son Augustine. These two “early” Christians were northern Africans who went on to become one of the most well known Mother-Son duos since Mary and Jesus! St. Augustine is a doctor of the Church, a pillar of western philosophy, and is generally considered to have written the first autobiography, “Confessions”. Besides being a wonderful theological and philosophical reflection, this life story reveals a complex family that grappled with serious problems. Augustine’s father was a non-believer and would fly into violent rages and become physically and emotionally abusive. Monica was a devout Catholic who suffered greatly due to her husband’s abuse and his infidelity - and later the wild and rebellious life of her son Augustine.

Tradition also considers her a patron saint of recovering alcoholics. Augustine relates in his book that when she was a young girl she snuck wine and from a little sip this turned into a daily habit with increasing amounts of wine. When someone called young Monica out about her drinking she felt intense shame and gave it up, remaining sober the rest of her life. (Confessions, Liber IX.8) Interestingly, her son writes about this encounter that God used “the unhealthiness of one soul to heal another.”

It is estimated that the group Alcoholics Anonymous now has over 2 million members in 118,000 groups worldwide. Since its beginning in 1935 AA and its “12 Steps” have also helped bring millions of others into a sober and recovered life. Its related “anonymous” groups like Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, to name just a few, bring together men and women of all ages and backgrounds who suffer addictions of different sorts. Through sharing their experience, strength and hope - along with accountability and community - the recovering people find that they are not alone and that real recovery is possible.

The foundational steps of the 12 Steps are admitting powerlessness, recognizing that a power outside one’s self (God) can restore, and then turning one’s will and life over to God’s care. As Monica and Augustine learned - and then rejoiced in - God often uses our family members, friends, and others, including those suffering from our same diseases and problems, to bring us His healing. Since shame and embarrassment are perhaps some of the deepest wounds of an alcoholic or addict, having the friendship and support of “fellow travelers” is crucial to remind one that you are not alone and not the first person to go through this. May St. Monica and St. Augustine remind us of that and pray for us all from heaven!

Two great resources for Catholics who are interested in recovery - from substances and/or behaviors - are:

Catholicinrecovery.com

Roadtopurity.com

And you can always talk to me. I remind everyone I am not a psychologist, just a simple parish pastor who loves you all very much and wants us all to be healthy, happy and holy! God bless you and your family this week.

Fr. David Halm, C.S.C.

Pastor

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