Tag: vigil of saint bartholomew

Saint Monica (c. 332–387 AD) is widely remembered today as a model of patience, relentless prayer, and unwavering hope. Born in Thagaste, in modern-day Algeria, she was raised in a Christian family and later married a pagan Roman official named Patricius. Her constant prayers were for the conversion and salvation of her son, Augustine.

As a young man, Augustine turned away from his faith, embraced a hedonistic lifestyle, and joined a heretical sect called Manichaeism. Rather than giving up on him, Monica spent over seventeen years following him across the Roman Empire—from Thagaste to Carthage to Rome and Milan—praying continuously for his heart to change. Her persistent faith famously moved Saint Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, to reassure her: “It is impossible that the son of so many tears should perish.”

Her prayers were eventually answered. Augustine experienced a profound conversion, was baptized, and went on to become one of the most influential theologians and writers in Christian history. Monica died shortly after her son’s baptism, content that her life’s single greatest purpose had been fulfilled.

She encourages us to pray without ceasing, and to patiently await God’s work, which he accomplishes through his Holy Word of Christ.

St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, preached Christ widely and suffered martyrdom for his testimony. Tradition holds that he converted many through preaching and miraculous signs, exemplifying steadfastness, courage, and faithful proclamation. Lutherans honor him as a model of discipleship and evangelistic zeal, guided always by Word and Spirit rather than by his own strength.

His life teaches that discipleship requires courage sustained not by human resolve but by Christ Himself, who through Word and Sacrament equips believers to proclaim the Gospel and endure trials. May his witness inspire in us bold confession, faithful service, and joyful obedience to Christ.

A weekday spoken Mass for St. Bartholomew is celebrated at All Saints in Jonesboro on Monday, August 10 at 12:10pm.

The vigil prepares us for the feast of St. Bartholomew, apostle and missionary. Tradition recounts that he preached the Gospel in India and Armenia and suffered martyrdom for confessing Christ. As we anticipate his feast, we are called to reflect on faithful witness, evangelistic courage, and obedience to God’s call.

May his coming commemoration stir in us a readiness for bold proclamation and a deepened devotion to God’s Word, that our own discipleship might be shaped by the same courage.