Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder welcome Jane White, co-founder of the Catholic prayer ministry Millions of Monicas, to discuss how surrendering worry through intercessory prayer is helping mothers reconnect their adult children with the Catholic faith. Jane shares the ministry's origin story during the COVID-19 pandemic, the powerful example of St. Monica's persistent prayer for St. Augustine, and testimonies of real conversions happening across the U.S. and internationally. The hosts also open the show reflecting on healing and renewal from the recent Encounter Conference in Brighton, Michigan.
This week on Catholic Women Now, hosts Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder open with a reflection on the Encounter Conference, a Catholic ministry event in Brighton, Michigan focused on healing, prophetic prayer, and encountering the Holy Spirit. Both hosts share personal healing testimonies from the conference before welcoming their guest.
Meet Jane White
Jane White is a wife, mother of four, grandmother of ten, and co-founder of Millions of Monicas alongside Jane VanHouten and Joan Bellamy. Jane is also an artist who teaches fluid art on her YouTube channel, Jane White Fluid Art.
The Origin of Millions of Monicas
Jane shares how the ministry began during a Zoom call in the early days of COVID-19, when she and Jane VanHouten decided to pray for each other's children instead of their own. That shift in focus led to a shared sense of calling, and the two women — later joined by Joan Bellamy — founded Millions of Monicas.
Who Was St. Monica?
Jane explains the story of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, whose persistent prayer for her son's conversion became the inspiration for the ministry's name and mission.
How the Ministry Works
Millions of Monicas hosts one-hour, parish-based prayer gatherings for mothers, always closing with the Rosary. It is not a support group — there's no discussion of children's struggles, just focused, surrendered prayer for each mother's intention. The ministry is free to join and requires a pastor's permission to begin in a parish.
Growth and Impact
What started with 130 mothers at the very first gathering has grown to roughly 200 active communities, with 25 more forming, and the ministry has expanded internationally to Costa Rica, Australia, Canada, and Mexico.
A Personal Testimony
Jane shares her own story of surrendering her worry for her son, who returned to the practice of his Catholic faith last October — and how the mothers themselves are transformed just as much as their children.
Getting Involved
Mothers, grandmothers, and spiritual mothers interested in starting a Millions of Monicas group at their parish can find more information at MillionsofMonicas.com.
Learn more about the show at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
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