About St. Monica
St. Monica, a 4th-century Christian woman from North Africa, is remembered for her extraordinary patience and persistence in prayer, particularly for her wayward son who would later become St. Augustine of Hippo. Born in Tagaste (modern-day Algeria) to Christian parents, she was married to a pagan Roman official named Patricius, whose volatile temper and infidelities she endured with remarkable grace. Through her gentle example and constant prayers, she eventually won both her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. However, her greatest concern was for her brilliant but rebellious son Augustine, who lived a hedonistic lifestyle that deeply troubled her. She followed him from Africa to Rome and then to Milan, praying and fasting for his conversion for 17 years. Her prayers were finally answered when Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in 387. Shortly after, while preparing to return to Africa with her son, she died in Ostia, Italy, having told Augustine that her life’s mission was complete. Her feast day is celebrated on August 27th, and she is considered a patron saint of mothers, wives, and those with difficult children.
Prayers & Devotions
