The Novena to St. Monica is a 9-day prayer devotion for the conversion of loved ones and friends who have strayed from the faith. It is prayed through the intercession of St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine, whose years of persevering prayer led to her son’s conversion — and his rise to become one of the great Doctors of the Church.
St. Monica is the patron of mothers, wives, and wayward children, and her story offers hope to anyone praying for a loved one’s return to God. Pray this novena for nine consecutive days, entrusting your petitions to her, and trusting — as she did — in God’s perfect timing.
Novena to St. Monica
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O God, who didst console Thy servant Monica in her tears and didst turn her sorrow into joy through the conversion of her son, Augustine, we come before Thee, trusting in her powerful example of persevering prayer.
St. Monica, faithful wife and devoted mother, for years you wept and prayed for the conversion of those you loved, never losing hope even when every sign pointed to despair. You turned to God alone in your affliction, and He heard you in His time. Teach me that same patient trust.
Obtain for me the grace to keep praying for those I love who have wandered from the faith, and the strength to wait on God’s timing without growing weary or bitter.
Above all, obtain for me the particular intention I bring before you this day: (mention your intentions now).
St. Monica, you showed that no soul is beyond the reach of a mother’s prayer and God’s mercy. Pray for me that I may love as steadfastly as you loved, and trust as unshakably as you trusted, now and at the hour of my death. Amen.