Saint Monica, Mother of Augustine Icon - S257

Saint Monica was born about the year 330. She had a gentle disposition and always kept guard of her tongue, and by this she avoided the wrath of her short-tempered pagan husband.

Monica desired to have her three children baptized, but her husband would not allow it. Her son Augustine went to live with a young woman and had an illegitimate child with her. He later joined a heretical sect, to the horror of his mother. She wept innumerable tears in prayer for her son, which moved her husband become a Christian before his death. She had a dream in which she was told to be patient with Augustine, despite all her disappointment.

Monica was counseled by a bishop that, "it is not possible that the son of these tears should be lost." Saint Ambrose of Milan praised Monica often for her virtue. After many years of her tireless prayers, Augustine turned, repented, and was baptized. Monica fell asleep in the Lord not long afterward. Her son, Saint Augustine, writes lovingly of her in his Confessions.

Her feast is traditionally celebrated on May 4, and also August 27. She is a model for those with difficult marriages, wayward children, and in prayer for the conversion of loved ones.