St. Augustine, Pray for Us

Yesterday was the feast of St. Monica who prayed many years for the conversion of her son, Augustine. Today we celebrate the saint whose conversion and later life of great holiness were the fruit of those prayers. Thank you, St. Monica, for your persistence. Thank you, St. Augustine, for responding to the graces showered on you.

Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.

from The Confessions of Saint Augustine

For more about the saints go to Feast of All Saints

Prayer based on St. Augustine's writing:

O God, You made our hearts for Thee
And ever restless will they be
Until they rest in Thee.