St. Monica Novena: Day 1
Patron Saint of Alcoholics
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
It may seem like a strange for me to begin Day 1 of this St. Monica Novena with a story about Monica and alcohol, however, I believe this pivotal event in her life brought her to such a low point that surrender was necessary. This surrender made her recognize the need for full reliance on God. Practicing this virtue strengthened her for enduring the long struggle ahead.
When Monica was a girl still living with her parents, it was her duty, along with her maidservant, to fetch the wine from the cellar for her family’s midday meal. After filling the flagon, there would be some wine left in the cup, so Monica, even though she was not allowed to drink between meals, disobediently drank the remaining drops, her maidservant giggling in the conspiracy. Time passed, and this became a daily habit. Her “remaining drops” gradually increasing until she was drinking full cups without a second thought!
Then one day, Monica discovered this same maidservant not doing her job properly. When Monica reproved her, the servant turned on her in anger, “It is not for a wine-bibber like you to find fault with me!”
Monica’s eyes widened in humiliation. The veil lifted. Her lowly servant’s chastisement revealed truth. In that moment, she realized her need for God’s mercy and immediately stopped the behavior.
“I saw in my mother a steadfast love for God that never wavered, even when she faced her own struggles and temptations.” Augustine
Many of us are brought very low by our addictions. I remember when I first realized the truth that my own relationship with alcohol was leading me down a dark path. I had my own moment of realization and surrender. And once released, I too was healed. But not without struggle and temptation of other little things trying to take its place.
Through these low times, we can see our need for a loving and merciful God more fully. In times of surrender, we see our humanity and need for humility, and hopefully, remember to fully embrace our reliance on God.
Virtues: Humility, Reliance on God
Questions for Reflection:
- Do we struggle with alcohol or know someone who does? Do we ignore this as the habit gradually increases? Can we seek help?
- When someone criticizes or corrects us, what is our reaction? Are we open and willing to learn and grow from them?
Resolution for Today:
Abstain from alcohol if you “bib”; if not, pick some other addictive substances or behavior.
St. Monica Novena Prayer Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear St. Monica,
We come before you today sorrowful and heartbroken for our loved ones especially (State your intention here). St. Monica, we see you as someone who has experienced with your loved ones what we experience today. We recognizing the role your perseverance for 17 years in prayer helped convert your son, Augustine, and how your patience and constant kindness won over your Pagan husband, Patricius and his mother.
St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers we ask you to please:
Pray for us. Take our sorrow and heartbreak, along with our own prayers to the Lord God and beg on our behalf for His mercy, healing and conversion, not only for our loved ones especially (State your intention here), but for us as well.
Pray to Jesus for us that we all receive a renewal and softening of heart that leads us to know His love more fully, trust Him, and collaborate with His will here on earth, especially with our loved ones of whom we now pray especially (State your intention here).
Pray for us that, through the Holy Spirit, we may obtain and practice the virtues you demonstrated, especially perseverance, patience and kindness, toward our own loved ones especially (State your intention here).
Finally, take our prayers to Mary and ask her to intercede for us also, begging her son, Jesus for His aid in helping us and our loved ones.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
