Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine, was born at Tagaste, North Africa, in 331. With extreme patience she obtained the conversation of her husband Patricius, a violent and dissolute pagan, who was baptized one year before his death. Augustine, her elder son, remained her biggest problem. Even though he was enrolled as catechumen in his early youth, Augustine never thought seriously about baptism. His love for pleasure and idleness was made worse when he joined the Manichean heresy. At 19, while studying in Carthage, Augustine became engaged to a girl and fathered a son, Adeodatus. For many years Monica stormed heaven by prayers, fasting and tears. A wise Bishop, whom she invited to talk to her son, told her: God's time will come. It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish.
When she knew that Augustine had left secretly for Italy, she tracked him down as far as Milan. There she was overjoyed to learn that her son had been converted. Soon afterwards, they set out to return to Africa. While waiting for the ship at the harbor of Ostia, Monica fell seriously sick.
In her last conversation, she said: Son, as far as I am concerned, nothing in this life now gives me any pleasure. All I wished to live for was that I might see you a Catholic Christian and a child of heaven. The she added: Bury my body wherever you will. One thing only I ask of you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord.
She died at the age of 55, and was declared Patroness of Mothers.
Augustine wrote in his Confessions: I think it was not wrong to weep an hour for a mother who for many years had wept for me.
Novena Prayer to St MonicaDear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your belvoed husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St Monica, that God may favourably hear my plea for (mention your petition here) and grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
