On August 28, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Augustine, one of the great founders of monasticism in the Western Church, bishop, theologian, preacher, writer and doctor of the Church. None of these titles, though accurate, would please him, however, as much as the simple one he used to describe himself: "servant of God". For whatever we achieve in life, whatever gifts and talents we have been given, are of little value unless they lead us, as they did Augustine, to know,

The Church has set aside August 27 and August 28 for the celebration of two saints of special significance to us and to each other - a mother and a son whose journey to holiness was made together. Saint Augustine acknowledges that he was brought to faith in the Church through the prayers and tears of his saintly mother, who, in turn, was led to confident trust in God through the prayers she offered continually for her wayward son. Monica was born in Tagaste, present day Alger

(updated on July 23 - from St Mary's Church Harborne newsletter) Fr Brian Lawlor OSA died peacefully last Monday 16 July in the QE at 7.30pm, with Fr Bernard Rolls, the Prior of the Birmingham Community, seated beside him. His Requiem will take place on Thursday 26 July at 12.00 noon, here in St Mary’s, followed by burial alongside his great friend Fr Killian O’Mahony OSA, in our Vivian Close cemetery. His remains will be received into Church at 6.00pm on Wednesday 25 July. F