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.
Who was Saint Monica?
Saint Monica was a Christian wife and mother who lived in the fourth century. She is best known for her persistent prayers for the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine, who later became one of the greatest saints and Doctors of the Church.
What is the Saint Monica Novena?
The Saint Monica Novena is a nine-day Catholic prayer devotion seeking Saint Monica’s intercession for family members, conversions, and perseverance in faith.
When should I pray the Saint Monica Novena?
You may pray the Saint Monica Novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics pray it before her feast day on August 27.
Can I pray the Saint Monica Novena for my children?
Yes. Saint Monica is especially known for praying for her son Augustine’s conversion. Many parents ask her intercession for children who have drifted away from the faith.
How long did Saint Monica pray for Augustine?
Saint Monica prayed faithfully for many years before Augustine’s conversion. Her example teaches patience, trust, and perseverance in prayer.
What if my prayers are not answered immediately?
Saint Monica’s life reminds us that God’s timing is often different from our own. The novena encourages us to remain faithful and trust that God hears every prayer.
Why is Saint Monica important to Catholics?
Saint Monica is a powerful example of faith, patience, and trust in God. Her prayers helped lead to the conversion of Saint Augustine, whose writings continue to influence the Church today.
Is the Saint Monica Novena only for mothers?
No. Anyone may pray the Saint Monica Novena, including fathers, grandparents, godparents, and anyone praying for the conversion or spiritual well-being of loved ones.
| 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 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 Saint Augustine,
you perseveringly pursued your wayward son, not with harsh words or threats, but with prayerful cries to Heaven.
Intercede for all mothers today, that they may learn how to draw their children closer to God. Teach them to remain close to their children, especially those sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Dear Saint Monica, faithful wife and loving mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, perseverance, and profound trust in God, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine.
Obtain for me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear Saint Monica, that God may graciously hear my prayer:
(Mention your request here…)
If it be His holy will, obtain for me the grace I seek, and help me always to accept God’s will in all things.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…