St. Monica
Born: 322
Died: 387
Canonized: pre-Congregation
Feast Day: August 27
Patron Saint of: married women, mothers
Saint Monica was born to a Christian family in Tagaste, Africa, in 322 AD. Saint Monica's marriage to her pagan husband, Patricius, an official of Tagaste, was not a happy one - he was both unfaithful and ill-tempered. Monica, however, did not leave her husband; rather, she persisted in being a faithful, loving wife and was the model of a devout Christian. Her example and prayer finally paid off, as her husband converted to the faith. Then, by her tears and unceasing prayers, she converted her lazy, wayward son St. Augustine of Hippo, who is now regarded as one of the greatest Doctors of the Western Church. She died at Ostia in the year 378.
