Saints & Angels
Prayer to St. Monica
This traditional prayer honors Saint Monica, the fourth-century mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Augustine describes her steadfast faith, tears, and concern for his salvation in his Confessions. She prayed for many years before witnessing his conversion and baptism. Catholics therefore invoke Saint Monica especially for children, spouses, relatives, and friends who have fallen away from the faith. Her feast is celebrated on August 27 in the current Roman Calendar. This prayer asks her to intercede for families and to teach parents how to persevere with patience, prayer, and loving closeness.
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.
When to pray it: Pray this prayer for the conversion of a child, family member, or other loved one who has wandered from God.
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