St. Monica
North African mother of St. Augustine of Hippo (c. 331-387), of Berber origin and Christian formation; her decades of prayers and tears for her son's conversion are recorded in Augustine's "Confessions." Joined Augustine at Cassiciacum near Milan after his conversion and died at Ostia on the journey home. Patron of mothers; pre-Congregation.
Life & Times
Born: c. 331 · Died: 387 · From: North Africa / Italy.
Patronage
St. Monica is invoked as the patron of mothers, wives, difficult children, abuse victims, alcoholics, family members. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it any way disquiet you. This only I request, that you will remember me at the altar of the Lord.”— Recorded by her son St. Augustine in 'Confessions,' Book IX, Chapter 11 — her dying words
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Devotional items honoring St. Monica, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Monica, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.