Saint Monica

the mother who prayed for her son

Who was Saint Monica?

She was born in Thagaste, in North Africa, into a Christian family. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006
She shed many tears and prayed hard to God for the conversion of her son Augustine. Roman Martyrology, August 27
She saw Augustine baptized. She died at Ostia, on her way back to Africa. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008; Roman Martyrology, August 27

From: Thagaste, in North Africa (today Souk Ahras, in Algeria) vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006
Feast day: August 27: Saint Monica

The path of Saint Monica

Before Jesus. She was married very young to Patricius, and they had children; among them was Augustine. Roman Martyrology, August 27
Before Jesus. Patricius had a bad temper. Monica did not argue with him when he was angry. She waited until he calmed down, and then she explained. Saint Augustine, Confessions IX, 9, 19
Before Jesus. At first her mother-in-law was set against her because of gossip from some servants. Monica won her over with patience and gentleness. Saint Augustine, Confessions IX, 9, 20
Before Jesus. She helped her husband Patricius discover the beauty of faith in Christ. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006
Before Jesus. Patricius died early, and Monica gave herself bravely to her three children. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006
With Jesus. She raised Augustine in the Christian faith. But as a young man, Augustine drifted away from the faith. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008
With Jesus. For years she wept and prayed for her son’s conversion. Roman Martyrology, August 27; Saint Augustine, Confessions III, 11, 20
With Jesus. A bishop told her that the son of so many tears could not be lost. Saint Augustine, Confessions III, 12, 21
With Jesus. Augustine wanted to go to Rome, and he deceived his mother. While Monica spent the night praying near the harbor, in a chapel of Saint Cyprian, he set sail. Saint Augustine, Confessions V, 8, 15
With Jesus. Monica followed him by sea. In a storm she encouraged the sailors, because God had assured her in a vision that they would arrive. Saint Augustine, Confessions VI, 1, 1
With Jesus. She stayed with Augustine in Italy, and she saw his conversion and his baptism. Saint Augustine, Confessions VIII, 12, 30; vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008
Afterward. She died in Ostia at the age of fifty-six, while they were waiting for the ship back to Africa. Saint Augustine, Confessions IX, 11, 28; vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008
Afterward. Mass was offered for her beside her grave. Years later, Augustine asked those who would read his book to remember Monica and Patricius at the altar. Saint Augustine, Confessions IX, 12, 32; Confessions IX, 13, 37

Words of Saint Monica

“Put this body anywhere! Don’t trouble yourselves about it! I simply ask you to remember me at the Lord’s altar wherever you are.” Saint Augustine, Confessions IX, 11, 27 (in Catechism 1371)

In Ostia, shortly before she died, to Augustine and her other son.

What they were like

She was a fervent Christian, a passionate woman. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008
Benedict XVI calls her a wise woman, firm in the faith. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006

The greatest thing they did

With her tears and prayers she walked with Augustine toward his conversion. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006
Augustine said that his mother gave birth to him twice: the second time, to the faith. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, Angelus of August 27, 2006

In the Church today

Feast day: August 27, Saint Monica (memorial). General Roman Calendar; Roman Martyrology, August 27

In art, recognized by: A widow’s dark veil and mantle This is how Christian art depicts her; Saint Augustine, Confessions III, 11, 20; Beside her son Augustine This is how Christian art depicts her

What people ask

Why is she remembered for her tears?

Because she shed many tears and prayed hard to God for the conversion of her son Augustine. Roman Martyrology, August 27

How long did she pray for Augustine?

Augustine says that almost nine years went by, and she never stopped weeping and praying for him. Saint Augustine, Confessions III, 11, 20

What did she ask for before she died?

To be buried anywhere, and to be remembered at the Lord’s altar. Catechism 1371

Did she have other children?

Yes. Augustine had a brother, Navigius, and a sister. vatican.va, Benedict XVI, January 9, 2008

Where is Saint Monica buried?

She was buried in Ostia. In 1430, Pope Martin V had her remains brought to Rome. Today they rest in a church dedicated to her son, Saint Augustine. (Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), “St. Monica”)

Did Augustine weep when his mother died?

At first he held back his tears. Later, alone, he wept for her before God. Augustine remembers that she had wept for him for many years. (Saint Augustine, Confessions IX, 12, 29; Confessions IX, 12, 33)

Little known She dreamed that a young man assured her that her son would be where she was. Saint Augustine, Confessions III, 11, 19 In Ostia, shortly before she died,…

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Who Saint Monica is connected to

Saint Augustine · mother and son

More people

All the people of the Bible · The Twelve Apostles · Women of the Bible

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