| Saint Monica of Hippo 311-387 Saint Monica, the mother of the Doctor of the Church Saint Augustine, was born in Africa to a Christian family. Falling dangerously into the habit of resorting to drinking while young, she was once caught by a slave. Seeing her error, and filled with remorse for her actions, she repented and was soon after baptized. She married an honorable and noble–but hot-tempered–pagan named Patricius. With Patricius, Monica bore two sons, Augustine and Navigius. She attempted to instill Christian doctrine in her children, but one child, Augustine, was persuaded over time by the heresy of Manichaeism. Consequently, Monica frantically asked bishops to talk him out of the heresy. When all attempts were made in vain with the stubborn youth, Monica bordered on despair. Yet, a holy bishop reassured her: “Go on praying; the child of so many tears cannot perish.” Through prayers and tears, Augustine became one of the greatest and most eloquent saints of all time. Saint Monica died in the odor of sanctity in Ostia. Saint Monica, Pray for us! |
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