the patron saint of Christian mothers

“Keep praying, because it is impossible to lose a child of so many tears..” This was the wise advice given to Saint Monica by a bishop, whose liturgical memory the Church celebrates today, August 27. Saint Monica is a profound example of faith and perseverance, especially for all Christian mothers. With great dedication and prayer, she did not let herself be overcome by difficulties until she saw her son, Saint Augustineconverted to Christianity.

Pope Francis

THE Pope Francisin 2013, recalled the life of Saint Monica and highlighted the example she represents for mothers who, today, cry and pray for their children. “How many tears that holy woman shed for the conversion of her son! And how many mothers, even today, shed tears so that their children may return to Christ! Do not lose hope in the grace of God!“, exclaimed the Pope, highlighting the importance of trust in divine providence.

History of Santa Monica

Saint Monica was born in 331 in Tagaste, in present-day Algeria. At a young age, she was married to Patrick, a violent and unfaithful man. However, instead of letting adversity get her down, Monica found strength in prayer and meekness. She firmly believed that instead of responding in anger, she should maintain peace. It was through this serene attitude and her fervent prayers that she was able to convert her husband, who was baptized and died a good Christian.

Augustine, son of Saint Monica

However, Santa Monica’s biggest challenge was with her son, Augustine. Although intellectually brilliant, Augustine led a life far from the Christian faith, immersed in selfish and capricious attitudes. Monica, however, never gave up praying for his conversion, enduring with patience and hope all the obstacles that arose.

Augustine’s search for answers took him to various cities, from Carthage to Rome and finally to Milan. There, he embraced Manichaeism and rejected the Christian faith, which only increased his mother’s suffering. But St. Monica, determined and guided by her faith, followed her son, convinced that he would one day return to God.

Baptism

This conviction was realized in 387, during Easter, when Augustine was finally baptized. For Saint Monica, this was the fulfillment of her mission as a mother. However, shortly thereafter, she fell ill and died in the port of Ostia, near Rome, on August 27 of that year, having fulfilled her life’s purpose.

Pope Alexander III recognized St. Monica’s extraordinary example in 1153 by confirming her as the patron saint of Christian mothers. Her legacy of faith and perseverance continues to inspire mothers around the world to maintain hope and trust in God, no matter what their circumstances.

Saint Augustine, who became one of the greatest doctors of the Church, always remembered with affection and gratitude the vital role his mother played in his conversion.”She gave birth to me either in her flesh so that I might come into the light of time, or with her heart so that I might be born into the light of eternity.“, he wrote, acknowledging the inestimable value of their prayers and tears.

In an Angelus on August 27, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted the importance of following the example of St. Monica and St. Augustine, trusting in Mary, Seat of Wisdom, to guide Christian families.

Summary for those in a hurry:

• Saint Monica is celebrated today as the patron saint of Christian mothers.
• She prayed incessantly for the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine.
• Monica overcame adversity in her marriage with faith and prayer.
• His perseverance resulted in Augustine’s conversion during Easter 387.
• Saint Monica died on August 27, 387, after seeing her son converted.
• Pope Alexander III proclaimed her patron saint of Christian mothers in 1153.