Monica was born around 331 in Thagaste, in Roman North Africa (in what is now Algeria), and married a pagan husband whom she is credited with eventually converting through patience and prayer. Her greatest struggle was for her son Augustine, whose early life was marked by ambition and a rejection of his mother's faith.
Monica followed Augustine from North Africa to Italy, continuing to pray for his conversion for some seventeen years, which finally occurred in Milan under the influence of Bishop Ambrose. She died in Ostia, Italy, in 387, shortly after witnessing her son's baptism.
Saint Monica
Patroness of Mothers
The mother of Augustine of Hippo, venerated for decades of prayer and patience that preceded her son's conversion to Christianity.
- Born
- 331
- Died
- 387
- Birthplace
- Thagaste (in modern Algeria)
- Died in
- Ostia, Italy
- Country
- Algeria
- Century
- 4th century
Categories
Why People Pray to Saint Monica
Saint Monica is invoked by mothers, especially those praying for a wayward child's return to faith, and by anyone persevering in prayer for a difficult, long-awaited conversion.
