DAY 38 - FIRST FRUITS - MAUNDY THURSDAY

Augustine concludes the autobiographical portion of Confessions with memories of his mother, Monica, describing her transition from a child with a wine habit to a pious peacemaker who prayed unceasingly for her family's conversion.

Shortly before Monica's death, she and Augustine shared a mystical vision of the divine while in Ostia. This is unique in Catholic tradition as a simultaneous experience of ecstasy by two souls.

Following the vision, Monica realized the location of her burial was unimportant and only asked to be remembered at the altar of God. She expressed fulfillment in seeing Augustine become a "universal Christian".

Such a perfect moment for us to emerge from the desert and into the first day of the Triduum.