Feast of Saint Monica

Memorial
27 August

Profile
Mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose writings about her are the primary source of our information. A Christian from birth, she was given in marriage to a bad-tempered, adulterous pagan named Patricius. Prayed constantly for the conversion of her husband (who converted on his death bed), and of her son (who converted after a wild life). Spiritual student of Saint Ambrose of Milan. Reformed alcoholic.

Born
322 at Tagaste (Souk Ahrus), Algeria

Died
387 at Ostia, Italy

Canonized
Pre-Congregation

Patronage
abuse victims; alcoholics; alcoholism; difficult marriages; disappointing children; homemakers; housewives; married women; mothers; victims of adultery; victims of unfaithfulness; victims of verbal abuse; widows; wives

RC Mommy has more, including a piece written by Saint Augustine about his mother’s impending death.