St. Monica

Monica lived in Roman North Africa in the fourth century. Butler places her birth around 332 and describes a Christian household in which she learned prayer and self-discipline. Much of what is known about her comes through the writings of her son Augustine. In remembering his own conversion, he also preserved the memory of the woman who had cared for him long before he became a bishop.

She married Patricius, a citizen of Tagaste who was not yet a Christian. They had two sons, Augustine and Navigius, and a daughter. Patricius's temper and unfaithfulness brought sorrow into the marriage. Monica continued to practice her faith and sought peace within the household. He eventually received Baptism and died about a year later, around 371.

Monica's responsibilities extended beyond her family. Butler remembers her generosity to poor people and her ability to reconcile neighbors who had fallen out. Worship and the hearing of God's word formed part of her daily life. She cared deeply about her children's education, although Augustine later recalled how their hopes for his worldly success could sometimes run ahead of concern for his soul.

As Augustine grew older, his conduct and attachment to the Manichees caused her particular grief. This religious movement offered explanations of good and evil that drew him away from the Catholic faith. Monica prayed for him and sought help from people who might be able to reach him. Butler recounts the encouragement given by a bishop who had himself left the Manichees. Her long concern continued through years in which her son showed little sign of returning.

When Augustine decided to teach in Rome, he left Africa without taking her with him. Monica later followed him to Italy and found him at Milan. There she came to respect Bishop Ambrose, whose preaching was helping Augustine reconsider the faith he had rejected. She also accepted Ambrose's guidance about local Church customs, setting aside a practice she had brought from Africa when he explained why it was not followed at Milan.

Augustine's conversion in 386 led to his Baptism by Ambrose at Easter in 387. Monica shared the period of preparation and cared for the small circle of friends around her son. They planned to return to Africa together. At Ostia, while waiting to sail, mother and son spoke about the happiness of eternal life. Augustine later remembered that conversation as one of their last and most treasured moments together.

Monica then fell ill with a fever and died at Ostia in 387. She asked her sons to remember her at the altar of the Lord, placing that request above concern about where her body would be buried. Augustine describes both the offering of Mass for her and his own grief. The mother whose tears had accompanied his wandering was remembered by him with tears of gratitude and a prayer for her eternal rest.