August 27: St. Monica

On August 27 we remember St. Augustine’s mother, Monica. She was born at Thagaste in Africa of a Christian family. She was married young, to Patricius, and among her children was Augustine. He had a brilliant intellect and uncertain morals and his wayward spiritual career saw him at one time a Manichee and then a Neoplatonist. With many tears she prayed unceasingly to God for his conversion and her prayers were answered shortly before she died. She had a deep faith and outstanding virtue and is a wonderful example of a Christian mother.

I first met St. Monica fifty years ago and later renewed by acquaintance of her when I began teaching The Confessions of St. Augustine thirty years ago. The course was World Literature I, and our text had substantial excerpts from The Confessions, one of which was most of Book IX containing Monica’s story, their days at Ostia, her death, Augustine’s grief and his eventual coming to peace. The story is a good one, and I’ve often taken comfort in knowing that God hears my prayers for my children, like Monica’s for her son Auggie; though things often seem uncertain with the kids, I can be certain that God will bless my family. If you haven’t read The Confessions, you might well give it a try.

Here’s a prayer by which the Church gives thanks to God for the life of Monica:

God of mercy, comfort those in sorrow, the tears of Saint Monica moved you to convert her son Saint Augustine to the faith of Christ. By their example, help us to turn from our sins and to find your loving forgiveness. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.