What is St. Monica known for?
St. Monica (c. 331–387 AD) was a devout Christian, known for her unwavering faith, patience, and persistent prayer. Born in Tagaste (modern-day Algeria), she was married to a pagan husband, Patricius, whose temper and lifestyle caused her much suffering. Through her gentle example and constant prayers, Monica eventually led both her husband and mother-in-law to convert to Christianity.
Her greatest sorrow was her son, St. Augustine, who for many years lived a life far from God. Monica prayed for him tirelessly, often weeping for his conversion. Her faith was rewarded when Augustine embraced Christianity after a profound spiritual transformation, becoming one of the greatest saints and theologians in Church history.
St. Monica is a powerful example of a mother’s love, faith, and perseverance in prayer.
| Novena Begins: | August 18th |
| Feast Day: | August 27th |
Patron Saint of Married women; Difficult marriages; disappointing children; victims of adultery or unfaithfulness; victims of (verbal) abuse; and conversion of relatives
Day 1 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Saint Monica Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with wild threats But with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day So that they may learn To draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain Close to their children, Even the prodigal sons and daughters Who have sadly gone astray. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, Many sorrows pierced your heart During your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, You prayed daily for the conversion Of your beloved husband, Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine. Grant me that same fortitude, Patience and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, That God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your request here…)
And grant me the grace to accept his will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, In the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
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