Saint Monica, was born in 332 AD in present-day Algeria, to Christian parents.
Monica was wedded at a tender age, between 13 or 14, to Patricius, an older man. Contrary to her religious upbringing, Patricius was neither wealthy nor a follower of Christ. Moreover, he possessed a hot temper and was unfaithful, challenges that Monica had to face daily. Her trials were compounded by the presence of a critical mother-in-law who lived with them.
Monica found solace and strength in her intimate relationship with God, and the joy of motherhood with her three children: Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua. Tragically, two of her other children are believed to have died young.
After 20 long years of prayers, both Patricius and Monica’s mother-in-law embraced Christianity. However, her joy was short-lived; Patricius passed away a year later.
At this juncture, Augustine, then 17, was away studying in Carthage. Although bright, he fell into bad company and indulged in reckless passions. His life choices, including adopting the Manichean faith and keeping a mistress, brought great anguish to Monica. However, holding onto a bishop’s comforting words, “A son of so many tears cannot be lost,” she intensified her prayers for his return to Christianity.
Augustine’s journey to Italy for a teaching position marked another phase in Monica’s life. Despite his attempts to leave her behind, her love and determination saw her following him. Upon reuniting, she tried to anchor him through a prosperous marriage. However, after a series of personal choices, including another relationship and an abandoned engagement, Augustine’s life began to transform through his encounters with Ambrose, the archbishop of Milan.
Monica, Augustine, and her grandson shared a peaceful time in a country cottage in Milan. Under the spiritual guidance of St. Ambrose, Monica finally witnessed Augustine’s conversion and subsequent baptism in 387.
Feeling a pull towards their homeland, the family planned a return to North Africa. However, their journey paused at Ostia, where Monica passed away. Her death inspired some of the most poignant passages in Augustine’s “Confessions”.
Today, Saint Monica is venerated as the patron saint of various groups, including victims of abuse, alcoholics, and those in challenging marriages.
Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Oh St. Monica, please pray for those who have horrible addictions. Help us break free from the bondage, now and forever. Please pray for my children to help them understand faith and Gods love for them.
Amen
St. Monica please pray for my children.
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Sta. Mónica PLEASE pray For my children that they always be safe and do right by God and man laws! Keep them in Gods ways always and take anything unGodly away from them. Bless my Granddaughter
Sta. Monica please pray for marriage that we are going to be…. In Jesus name i pray… amen
St. Monica please pray for us
St Monica – please pray for my son’s wedding to a non-believer and for the restoration of faith for my special children and to lead them to live a healthy and good life.
St. Monica, pray for us.
Dear St. Monica, I want u to pray for me as I have a very serious problem. My greatest sin of all times is my tongue which has refused to be silent. Please pray for me that I long for true quietness and peace of mind, tongue and body. Please Lord God help me to become an extremely quiet, discreet and prudent woman. These words I pray in Jesus name. Amen. St. Monica, pray for us. Amen.
Oh Santa Monica please pray for my son zachary Lane
Oh Santa Monica bendita madre de san Agustin prey for my son zachary lane AMEN
St Monica, pls pray that I may forgive & free myself of my husbands unfaithfulness. Pls pray for my daughters to raise their children in the faith.
Comment: St. monica pray for my family.,mothers. window and all abandon children in stress. Amen
St Monica, please bring back those who have strayed away from the faith. Please pray for my sister, for my boyfriend’s brother, for my friends who have stopped believing in God. Help us all to lead a holy life. I also pray for my father who is a single parent. Amen.
I was baptized this year (at the age of 47) and I chose Monica as my saint. I love her with all of my heart. I looked at many saints but I immediately felf a connection with her. A wonderful woman whom I hope will intercede with the Lord for the soul of my family and myself. ?
Santa Monica pray for my children Alejandro y Karen, my son in law and my grandchildren to live a Christian life, Amen
My parish in Converse, Texas, is named in honor of St. Monica. We have had celebrations of various types today, August 27. God bless all Monicas. St. Monica pray for mothers as they pray for their difficult husbands and children. Amen.
St Monica please pray for me and my son to be strong and thankful in life.
Saint Monica, pray for us!
St. Monica, the Patron Saint of Married Women, pray for them.
St. Monica, Please ask Our Lord to send his Holy Spirit to help my younger girl get her life together. Thank you for your help!
Dear St. Monica, please ask Our Lord to grant me the special prayer for this Novena.
Saint Monica pray for us amen
Thank you, Saints Monica and Augustine and Ambrose, for granting my Novena intentions. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints! Cor Jesu sacratissium, miserére nobis. Amen.