About St. Monica
Feast Day: August 27
St. Monica was the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo. She was married to a pagan who was a cruel man and who would not allow her to baptize their children. She prayed for her husband and mother-in-law and eventually they converted. Augustine lived a worldly life and had no interest in practicing his mother’s Christian faith.
St. Monica persisted in prayer and fasting, and eventually her son not only became a fervent Christian, but became energized about spreading the faith. She is a model for women who pray for their families, especially for spouses and children who are not baptized or are not practicing the faith.
Patron Saint
St. Monica is the patron saint of married women, difficult marriages, difficult relationships with children, victims of adultery, and conversion of relatives.
Resources and Quotes
Nothing Is Far from God
She knew that even though Augustine seemed nowhere close to being a Christian, God could overcome that distance. And she was right. Share this quote on social media on her feast day.
St. Augustine
Learn more about her famous son, Augustine of Hippo, whose feast day follows hers. St. Monica’s persistent prayer for his conversion enabled this man to leave the church with some incredible writings.
Saintly Fun Facts
This charming book of the saints includes a section on St. Monica. It focuses on the challenges she faced in her family life.
Books and Movies
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The Power of A Mother’s Love
This book describes how St. Monica loved her son so much that she dedicated herself to his conversion. She did not do this by trying to control him. Instead she dedicated herself to prayer, patience, and sacrifice.
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Model of Christian Mothers
This short biography of St. Monica is easy to read, yet it covers all of the high points of her life. There are sections on her childhood, her troubled marriage, her quiet effort to convert her son, and her joy when he finally converted.
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Restless Heart
This movie is mostly focused on St. Augustine, but it does include scenes focused on his mother and her efforts to convert him from his reckless ways. Read a review at Catholic News Service.
Baptism and Confirmation Gifts
Here are some gift ideas for someone being baptized with the name Monica or taking St. Monica as a confirmation saint.
