St. Monica

Saint of the Week

St. Monica
Thursday, August 27 

Monica (332-87) was the mother of Augustine whose feast is celebrated August 28.  Most of the information about her comes from her son’s Confessions (Book IX). Born probably in Tagaste in North Africa, Monica married Patricius, a man who lived a dissolute life marked by a violent temper, heavy drinking, and infidelity. Monica’s mother-in-law lived in the same house and compounded her difficulties. But her patience won them over. Patricius was baptized a year before his death.

They had three children including Augustine. Monica exercised the same patience with him as she had with her husband and mother-in-law. When she realized that he was not ready for conversion to the faith, she turned to prayer and fasting. Augustine left for Italy along with his female companion and their son. They stopped in Rome and then went on to Milan. He left without informing his mother of the time of his departure. The resolute Monica, caught another ship and followed him to Milan.  

There she was befriended by the city’s bishop Ambrose who was instrumental in Augustine’s conversion. Monica's desire was that Augustine marry a suitable heiress, but he decided to separate from his companion and  remain celibate. He was baptized in 387. The party set out for Africa but Monica died along the way at Ostia, near Rome. Her relics rest in the Roman Basilica dedicated to her son.

Monica is the patron saint of Christian mothers and a model of persevering prayer.