Saint of the day, August 27
St. Monica’s steadfast hope through years of uncertainty has made her a beloved intercessor for families and those praying for someone they love.
Aug. 27: St. Monica
Born: A.D. 331, Tagaste, North Africa
Died: A.D. 387
Nationality: Roman
Vocation / State: Wife and mother
Patronage: Mothers, wives, widows, those struggling with alcohol, and difficult marriages
Canonization: Pre-Congregation
St. Monica carried the people she loved to God in prayer, trusting Him through years of heartache and waiting, especially as she longed for her son Augustine to return to the faith.
Monica’s own family life brought many trials. Her husband, Patricius, did not share her Christian faith for much of their marriage, and Augustine spent years living far from the life she desired for him. Still, Monica continued to pray and fast for those she loved, entrusting their hearts to God when she could not change them herself. Before his death, Patricius embraced Christianity, but Monica’s prayers for Augustine would continue for years.
As Augustine’s life eventually took him from North Africa to Italy, Monica continued to follow and pray for her son. In Milan, she came to know St. Ambrose, whose preaching also had a profound influence on Augustine. In A.D. 387, after years of hoping and praying, Monica saw Augustine baptized into the Church by Ambrose.
Not long afterward, as mother and son prepared to return to North Africa, Monica became ill and died. She had lived to see the prayer closest to her heart answered: Augustine had embraced Christ and the faith she had so faithfully desired for him.
St. Monica’s life offers a beautiful witness to persevering prayer. She loved deeply, prayed patiently, and trusted God with the people dearest to her. Her example encourages us to bring those we love before the Lord again and again, confident that no prayer offered in faith is ever beyond His loving care.
St. Monica, pray for us!
