Now that I’ve spent plenty of time bemoaning the glut of rotten books out there, I should put in a little plug for one of my best used book purchases. Several years ago I was shopping in my favorite local resale shop and found a precious ‘vintage’ prayer book in mint condition. It is Mother Love: A Manual for Christian Mothers published by the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers in 1962. This book was in mint condition - appearing to have hardly been opened. I felt some melancholy pangs when a gift card fell out, with a note to the book’s recipient from her mother. I wondered what caused her to not avail herself of this lovely book. Loss of faith? Did it seem to be too pious? Did something untoward happen to her? Oh, well.

From what I have heard, the Archconfraternity it still in existence. Pittsburgh or Philadelphia come to mind. I really should look into it.

This all comes to mind today, because I had it with me to refer to the Litany of St. Monica before Mass this morning. Also among the prayers to Special Patrons is a lovely prayer to St. Augustine which I will certainly be using tomorrow. Actually, I use this section so much the book is starting to naturally fall open at this point.

Here I would like to quote another section which reminds the Christian Mother that she and her children should each day:

1. Serve God by keeping His Commandments.
2. Imitate Jesus Christ by practicing the Christian virtues.
3. Honor and invoke the angels and saints.
4. Save a soul
5. Avoid hell.
6. Gain heaven.
7. Slight transitory things.
8. Expiate sins.
9. Subdue evil inclinations.
10. Perform good works.
11. Edify your neighbor.
12. Be prepared to die and stand before the judgment-seat of Jesus Christ.