Biography
Monica was an early African Christian born in Thagaste (modern Algeria). She was married to Patricius, a pagan with a violent temper, and endured a difficult mother-in-law. Through her patience, almsgiving, and constant prayer, she eventually converted both her husband and her mother-in-law before Patricius died. Her greatest grief, however, was her brilliant but wayward son, Augustine, who lived with a concubine and joined the Manichean heresy. Monica wept and prayed for him for 17 years. A bishop famously consoled her, saying, 'It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish.' She followed him to Rome and Milan, where she met St. Ambrose, who eventually baptized Augustine. Monica died peacefully in Ostia shortly after witnessing her son's conversion.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦The conversion of St. Augustine, considered one of the greatest graces in Church history
Wisdom & Quotes
“Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.”
“Lay this body anywhere, let not the care for it trouble you at all. This only I ask, that you will remember me at the Lord's altar, wherever you be.”