Order of Carmelites

Memorial of St. Monica

Today, August 27, is the memorial of Saint Monica.

Born in 332 in present-day Souk Ahras, Algeria, Monica was married off at a very young age to the Roman pagan Patricius, who seemed to have inherited his mother’s savage temper. Patricius’ mother lived with the couple, thus whenever mother and son would quarrel, Monica would bear the brunt of their temper.  

Three children were born to Monica and Patricius: Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua.  

For years, Monica prayed that her husband and mother-in-law would become Christians. Before Patricius’ death, she successfully converted them.

As time passed, Perpetua and Navigius entered the religious life. Augustine, however, became lazy and vulgar, something that worried Monica. When Patricius died, she sent Augustine, then 17, to Carthage for schooling.

Monica followed Augustine to Rome, where she learned he had left for Milan. Her trip to Milan led her to St. Ambrose, who helped her convert Augustine to Christianity following his 17-year resistance. Finally, Monica’s prayers were answered.

After six months, Augustine was baptized by Ambrose in the church of St. John the Baptist in Milan. The pair were led to believe they should spread the Gospel to Africa. During this time, in 387, in the Roman city of Civitavecchia, Monica passed away. Her tomb is in the Basilica di Sant’Agostino in Rome.