Giovanni Gottardi’s La Madonna della Cintura hangs in Rome’s Basilica di Sant’Agostino (Basilica of St. Augustine), directly above the tomb of St. Monica. The painting depicts the appearance of Our Lady to St. Monica, who had besought Our Lady's help in bringing her son Augustine back to the Faith. Mary came to the anguished mother and, as a pledge of support and a token of maternal consolation, gave St. Monica her sash, or belt.

St. Monica later bequeathed the belt to Augustine who, after his conversion, gave it to the members of his monastic community. To this day, the Augustinians wear a black belt as part of their habit.

The image of La Madonna della Cintura is widely known as Our Mother of Consolation. Depictions of Our Mother of Consolation show Mary with the Child Jesus resting on her lap, and both Mary and Jesus holding the belt. This represents the intimate relationship of Mary, giver of motherly care and comfort, with her divine Son, Who is the Source of all consolation.

The original design of the St. Monica Ministry rosary pictured above was inspired by an actual visit to the Basilica di Sant’Agostino in Rome. The rosary’s beads echo the colors in Gottardi's painting. Each color carries a special significance:

Blue - Our Lady’s purity, as well as her royal status as Queen of Heaven;

Rose - Mary’s love and maternal devotion;

Black - the promise of consolation, as represented by Our Lady’s belt;

Gold - divinity and the enduring presence of God.

When we pray on the St. Monica Ministry rosary beads, we are asking our heavenly Queen to give us the strength and consolation that she gave to St. Monica. We turn to Our Lady as a child turn to its mother, trusting that she will provide for its needs with all solicitude. As we wait in hope for our prodigals’ return, we take solace in St. Monica’s own assertion that, “Nothing is far from God.”

These beautiful and meaningful rosaries are assembled by St. Monica Ministry members and guests during our monthly rosary-making meets. All are welcome to join us, and each participant may keep the first rosary that she completes. Expert instruction in rosary-making is provided at all meets, and no experience is necessary. Visit the Cottage of Christian Curios or scan the QR code for details on upcoming meets, and to order St. Monica Ministry rosaries for friends and family.

St. Monica Ministry Rosary of Supplication for Our Prodigals

Trusting in the power of the rosary to change hearts, the members of the St. Monica Ministry regularly pray the Rosary of Supplication for Our Prodigals. Recitation of the Rosary of Supplication is accompanied by original meditations that speak to both the needs of prodigals and to the yearning of those who are awaiting their loved ones’ return to the Faith. Five decades of the Rosary of Supplication for Our Prodigals is recited at each of the St. Monica Ministry’s monthly Holy Hours of Petition and Hope. To receive a copy of the Rosary of Supplication meditations, please email [email protected].