Question 1

Why is St. Monica invoked for difficult family situations?

Accepted Answer

St. Monica is the patroness of mothers, wives, and those with wayward children because of her own life experience. Her husband, Patricius, was a pagan with a violent temper who was unfaithful to her. Her brilliant son, Augustine, lived a dissolute life and embraced the Manichaean heresy for many years. Monica wept and prayed ceaselessly for them for decades. Her persistence was rewarded when, near the end of his life, her husband converted and was baptized. Augustine's profound conversion followed, and he became one of the greatest saints in Church history.

Question 2

Who was St. Monica's famous son, Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Her son is St. Augustine of Hippo, a 4th-century bishop and one of the most important Doctors of the Church. His theological writings, including "Confessions" and "City of God," have profoundly shaped Western Christianity. Before his conversion, however, he lived a life of worldly ambition and sensual pleasure, causing his mother immense grief. His intellectual and spiritual journey, spurred by his mother's prayers and the preaching of St. Ambrose, is a classic story of God's grace triumphing over sin. His life gives hope to all who pray for a loved one's conversion.

Question 3

How can the Ave Audio version help when I feel discouraged?

Accepted Answer

When you are troubled by worry for a loved one, focusing on prayer can be difficult. Listening to the Prayer to St. Monica on Ave Audio allows you to enter into prayer even when you feel distracted or too weary to form the words yourself. The calm, steady voice can be a source of comfort, reminding you that you are not alone in your petition. You can play the prayer while driving or doing household tasks, uniting your work with your intercession and letting Ave Audio help you persevere in faith, just as St. Monica did.

Prayer to St. Monica

Prayer Text

What is the Prayer to St. Monica?

What does the Prayer to St. Monica mean?

When Do Catholics Pray the Prayer to St. Monica?

Frequently Asked Questions