History of St. Monica

by Émile Bougaud

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392 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Louis Victor Émile Bougaud, born Edme Louis Victor Bougaud (at Dijon, 25 February 1823, d. at Laval, 7 November 1888) received his classical education at Autun, where his professor of rhetoric was the Abbe, afterwards Cardinal, Pitra. He studied theology at Dijon and Paris, was ordained priest by Monseigneur Affre in 1846, was professor of church history at the Seminary of Dijon (1846-51), and then chaplain of the Convent of the Visitation in the same city (1851-61). In 1861 he accepted the position of Vicar-General to Bishop Dupanloup at Orléans. In 1886 he was appointed Bishop of Laval.

Besides the sermons which he delivered in Paris and other cities, Bishop Bougaud wrote numerous works. While chaplain of the Visitation Convent, he wrote "Histoire de Saint Bénigne, premier évêque de Dijon" and "Histoire de Sainte Chantal". While Vicar-General of Orléans, he wrote "Histoire de Sainte Monique", "Histoire de la bienheureuse Marguerite Marie", "Le Christianisme et les temps présents" (his great apologetical work, in 5 vols.), "Le grand peril de l'Eglise de France au XIX siècle", and "Histoire de Saint Vincent de Paul" (2 vols.). A volume of his discourses was published by his brother.

He was a preacher and writer of great influence, in consequence of his appreciation of all noble thoughts and deeds, his deep compassion for human suffering his great power of reflection, and his refined artistic taste. In his apologetics he evinces thorough sympathy with his own time and an unwavering hope for the triumph of the Church. His purpose was to adapt the explanations of the dogmas, precepts, and organization of the Church to the moral and intellectual aspirations of his contemporaries without any sacrifice of Catholic doctrine.

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography of St. Monica is actually a dual biography of St. Monica and St. Augustine. Drawing heavily on The Confessions but also on other writings of St. Augustine, Abbe Bougaud weaves a compelling tale of a mother's love that would not quit until her son was saved. Although this book lagged at times (it seemed that after St. Monica's death, there was little left to say, but another 100 pages dwelt on St. Augustine's life). The almost miraculous finding of her relics at Ostia and their translation by Pope Martin V was an amazing story I hadn't heard before. The commentary of St. Augustine's works were excellent. What an amazing guide Fr. Bougaud is. Although the original work dates from 1880 (the English translation by Father Farley), it is as fresh as if written yesterday.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read. I expected some prayers but found none. St Monica is the mother of St Augustine. She suffered and endured much and perservered.