Giovanni Falbo

St. Monica: the Power of a Mother's Love Giovanni Falbo

Saint Monica: The Power of a Mother?s Love By Giovanni Falbo Translated by Matthew Sherry Using extensive excerpts from the writings of St. Augustine, notably from his Confessions, Giovanni Falbo sheds new light on Monica?s patience, sweetness, and unwavering determination. This mother never yielded in her efforts to see her beloved son find comfort and peace in God, and she endured countless sacrifices and health risks in her quest to help Augustine embrace the faith. Monica?s quiet wisdom and courage, coupled with her earnest tears and prayers to God, bore fruit she could only have dreamed of. ?Monica is a shining example for families today, bringing them courage and hope by guaranteeing that with the grace of God, good will, and perseverance, any difficulty can be overcome in building a true Christian family founded upon the values of the Gospel?? Giovanni Falbo This title includes an index of references to Monica within St. Augustine?s works. It also features black and white photos of basilicas and churches honoring Monica and Augustine. About the author Fr. Giovanni Falbo was born in 1944. Ordained a priest in 1968, he is a scholar of the Church Fathers and of the first four centuries of the Christian era. He holds a degree in theology and was formerly a professor of patristics at the "Ut unum sint" ecumenical center. He helped to found the Regional Studies Institute in Ostia, where he was the first director and a professor of patristics and ancient Church history. Since 1977 he has been pastor of the large parish church of Saint Monica in Lido di Roma. He is currently the secretary of the Lazio commission for priests, and is a member of the Italian commission for priests.