"Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled".
The Conversion of Augustine - St. Monica
Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine was born to Christian parents in North Africa, year 333 A.D.
Monica was married at a young age to a man named Patritius who was an alcoholic and considered of bad repute. Patritius however, knew of Monica's piousness and held her in a very high regard. Saint Monica bore 3 of his children, the first being Augustine.
Saint Augustine was never Baptised because Patritius who was a Pagan, did not allow it. Augustine in his childhood was a troublemaker. Monica was forced, according to scripture, to "wrestle with God for his soul" It was during this time that Saint Monica was able to convert Patritius to Christianity and to give up his ways of debauchery. Augustine however fell deeper into sin.
Patritius died shortly after he converted and Monica vowed never to marry again. Monica devoted a great deal of her time to saving Augustine's soul.
Augustine fled to Rome without her knowledge and when she found out, chased after him. During a Divine Vision she recieved, she was told where to find him. When she did find him, she sought the help of a Holy Bishop that gave Augustine his Baptism. She shared six months of peace with him, and he was captured by such great emotion it changed his life. Augustine from that day forward, was prepared to dedicate his life to the service of God.
Memoriai: August 27th
Born: 332 AD, Algeria
Died: 387 AD, Italy
Additional Patronages: Disappointing Children, Difficult Marriages, Victims of Unfaithfulness and Widows
Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:
Converted St. Augustine from a life of sin to Christ
Converted Abusive husband to Christ
Exceptional amount of time spent in prayer trying to convert both
Spiritually advised by St. Ambrose
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