St. Monica

Born in 333 Died in 387 Feast Day- August 27 Patron Saint of mothers and abuse victims

Life St. Monica was born into a Christian family. She was forced to marry a pagan. She had three children, Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua. She prayed to God for her husband to convert to Christianity. He did, but shortly after he died. Monica then went to Italy to live with her son.

Childhood There was not much known about her childhood, but St. Monica was born into a Christian family in Tagaste, North Africa.

Troubles she faced St. Monica had an arranged marriage to a pagan man named Patricius. Patricius made her suffer because of his bad temper. After her husband died she found out her son, Augustine, was living a selfish life. He started bad habits and turned to a false religion.

Qualities I Admire I admire how even though her husband treated her poorly, she never once complained to anyone. I admire that because it teaches me that I should complain less. I also admire how she constantly prayed to God for her son and her husband when they needed help. I admire this because she prayed for others and cared for others more than herself.

Talents One of St. Monica’s greatest talents is patience. She prayed to go everyday and she waited patiently for God to answer her prayers. Her prayers were eventually answered.

How She Became a Saint St. Monica would have been declared a Saint by the early Christian community based in her life of prayer.

Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine, You perseveringly pursued your wayward son Not with 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. Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius, and your beloved son, Augustine; your prayers were answered. Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea, Grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Bibliography http://www.answers.com/Q/How_did_Saint_Monica_become_a_saint http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1 http://www.marypages.com/SaintMonica.htm http://osa-west.org/saintmonica.html

THE END