August 27: Saint Monica

The Power of a Mother’s Prayer

In the history of the Church, the name of Saint Monica is closely linked to that of her son, Saint Augustine, for whom she prayed and sacrificed herself in order to obtain his conversion from God. Her life, marked by steadfast faith and constant perseverance under God’s guidance, demonstrates how essential prayer and living in God’s grace truly are.

Monica was born in 332 in Tagaste (present-day Algeria) into a deeply religious Christian family. From childhood, she received an upbringing rooted in Christian teachings, thanks also to the guidance of a wise governess who instilled in her the principles of the faith. This solid formation prepared her for the spiritual trials she would face throughout her life.

Monica married Patricius, an honest but pagan man with a difficult character. Despite the challenges of their marriage, Monica remained faithful to her role as a Christian wife, following the values of the Gospel. With patience and gentleness, she managed to calm her husband’s temper; he eventually converted to Christianity shortly before his death.

But Monica’s greatest suffering was seeing her son, Augustine, stray from the faith. Despite her constant prayers and pleas, Augustine seemed unmoved. Nevertheless, her unwavering faith and unceasing prayer ultimately led to her son’s conversion—a profound and saving transformation born of a mother’s tears and unconditional love.

Having faithfully completed her earthly journey, Monica died at Ostia (Italy) in 387 while returning to Africa. She is the patron saint of mothers, widows, and married women.

Saint Monica is sometimes depicted holding a tablet with the name of Jesus, symbolizing that she awakened in her son a love for Christ; at other times, she is shown with a belt or cincture, recalling the tradition of the Augustinian hermits, who distribute blessed belts in her honor.