New book helps those with loved ones who have turned from the faith

Most of us know someone who was raised in the Catholic faith, but no longer practice their faith. They may have switched to a Christian denomination, maybe attend a non-denominational church, or quit practicing any faith all together. Some of these people are members of our own families. For the faithful, it can be frustrating and may leave one feeling powerless over how to bring the fallen back to the fold.

A new book co-written by two North Dakota Catholic authors explores the challenges faced by those who have loved ones or friends who are no longer practicing Catholics. Roxane Beauclair Salonen of Fargo, author and monthly contributor to New Earth through her “Sidewalk Stories” series of articles, and Patti Maguire Armstrong of Bismarck, host of the TV talk show “Ladies of Another View” and author, teamed together to write the book What Would Monica Do? St. Monica is the mother of the great theologian St. Augustine, who prayed for years for the conversion of her son.

In anticipation of the book’s release, New Earth asked each author a series of questions regarding the book and why they hope readers will take the message offered to heart.
 
What is the basic premise of this book, and why did you want to write it?

Salonen: The basic premise for our book, What Would Monica Do?, can be found in the book’s subtitle: “Consolation, hope and inspiration in the spirit of St. Monica for those bearing the cross of a loved one who is away from the Faith.” We wanted to write it to console and encourage parents and others whose loved ones have left the Catholic faith. Our Lord has a special affinity for the broken-hearted, so we are at the Lord’s service in trying to offer perspective and companionship in this vale of tears. To help us do so, we have a fitting guide in St. Monica, who has trod this road before us, and came out the other side rejoicing.

What made St. Monica so extraordinary that you felt her story needed to be told?

Armstrong: Many Catholics are familiar with St. Monica but not all know about her or they simply know that she prayed for her son for many years. By delving into her life and seeing her as a flesh and blood mother praying for her wayward son, the centuries melt away and we are sisters in Christ. The beautiful part about our sister Monica is her powerful example of perseverance and the fact that as a saint in heaven, she can intercede for us in our own situations.

Who is the book written for?

Armstrong: I’ve met children praying desperately for their parents who are far from the Church, so they too would be able to relate. There are Godparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, friends… so many concerned for loved ones. Ultimately, since this book inspires us to nurture relationships, let go of anger, give and receive forgiveness and mercy, and go deeper in our own faith, every Catholic can benefit.

Does Monica’s story speak to you personally as an author? 

Salonen: Yes, or we wouldn’t have written the book. We are both in this predicament, with some of our 15 combined children not currently practicing the faith that we have tried to pass onto them as the gift given to us. As much as we wish our earlier efforts would have been enough, free will is real! And the world ravages, and waits to consume our children. But we are not left without a defense, and in Monica’s story, we find clues to how we, in this time and place, can respond, in love and in faith.

What did you learn about St. Monica during your research—her pain, heartache, steadfast faith, and eventually jubilation?

Salonen: We want readers to discover that for themselves in reading our book. We hope they will approach the book with curiosity to learn more about Monica and her life, but our book isn’t just about Monica. It’s filled with stories from everyday people who have shared their heartbreaking experiences with us and how they have managed to take up this cross with tenacity, as did Monica. It also features stories of other saints, perspectives of what is happening in the culture to cause this exodus of faith in the young, and, hopefully, some powerful doses of inspiration, shared by other holy and wise people of yesterday and today.

Armstrong: I learned not to count the days but just to proceed in faith and prayer entrusting all of our family—regardless of where they are in their faith life—into God’s hands through his Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints. We can try our best when raising our children, but we cannot control everything. Rather than throw up our arms and quit trying, we need to instead, put our energies where they will now count the most.