Today we celebrate the life of Saint Monica. She is well-known for her immense perseverance in prayer. She lived with a husband who had a violent temper and was licentious. Her son, who we know as Saint Augustine, lived a very immoral and unchristian life. But Monica prayed daily for the conversion of her family. Inspired by Monica's saintly example and through her abundant prayers, her husband was baptized a year before his death. Augustine was seventeen at the time. Monica prayed earnestly and fasted for the conversion of her son, who accepted the Manichean heresy and lived with a mistress for many years. 

Monica banned Augustine from her house for a time, and she grew hopeless about the conversion of her beloved son. In her sorrow, a bishop comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, it is impossible that a son of so many tears should be lost."

When Augustine was about thirty-three, Monica had the joy of witnessing her prayers being fulfilled. Augustine converted and was baptized on Easter with several of his friends.  Not long after, Monica fell ill and suffered severely for nine days before her death. But she lived to see her son find peace with God.

Monica is a perfect model of patience and persistence. She is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, and alcoholics. Let us pray through the intercession of Saint Monica for our family members and loved ones who have fallen away from the practice of our faith, so that they may return to God with open hearts.

Prayer to Saint Monica

Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son
not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven.
Intercede for all mothers in our day
so that they may learn to draw their children to God.
Teach them how to remain close to their children,
even the prodigal sons and daughters
who have sadly gone astray.
Amen.