Monica of Hippo
St. Monica of Hippo is a Christian Saint.
Born a Christian in 331/332 in Thagaste, Algeria, Monica is most famously known as the mother of St. Augustine of Hippo, who mentioned her in his writings. She was married at an early age to Patricius, a pagan, who was apparently violent-tempered as well as adulterous.
Her legend credits her with unceasingly praying for the conversion of her husband and son. Patricius converted a year before his death, while Augustine converted as a young man, after a wild youth.
She died at Ostia, Italy, in 387, not long after her son's baptism by St. Ambrose.
St. Monica's feast day is August 27. She is the patron saint of: wives and abuse victims.
A traditional prayer to St. Monica reads as follows:
Exemplary Mother of the great Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with
wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that
they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children,
even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray. Amen.
