08/27/2026
Feasts of St. Monica & St. Augustine
Born in the 4th century in North Africa to Christian parents, Monica's patience and kindness helped to bring her husband's family to faith in Christ.
Saint Monica was the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Augustine was extremely intelligent and eventually became one of the greatest saints and theologians in Church history—but his path to faith was far from straightforward.
As a young man, Augustine rejected the Christian faith of his mother and lived for many years in ways that caused Monica deep concern. She continued to pray for him, however, even when it seemed like nothing was changing.
According to tradition, Monica prayed and wept for Augustine for many years, asking God to bring him back to the truth. At one point, she even sought the advice of St. Ambrose, who encouraged her to persevere in prayer.
Eventually, Augustine experienced a profound conversion. He was baptized by St. Ambrose and went on to become a priest, bishop, Doctor of the Church, and saint.
Let’s pray together as parents of our parish today:
Dear St. Monica,
we now ask you to pray with us
for all those sons and daughters
that have wandered away from God,
and to add your prayers to those of all mothers
who are worried over their children.
Pray also for us that,
following your example, we may,
in the company of our children,
one day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in Heaven.
Amen.
