Monica was born and brought up a Christian in Tagaste/Trigaste, North Africa, but married to Patricius, a pagan of licentious life and explosive temperament. A meddlesome and cantankerous mother-law turned out to be another thorn in her flesh. However, her edifying Christian life not only warded off any possible family strife or discord, but also brought about the conversion of both her husband and her mother-in-law to the Christian faith. Monica was widowed in 371. In the meanwhile Augustine, her elder son drifted away to Manichaeism and to immorality. Monica’s prayers, counsels and admonitions had no impact on her brilliant son. Wearied of an importune mother, Augustine fled to Rome and later to Milan, where he took up the Chair of Rhetoric. In that great city he came in contact with St. Ambrose, the local Bishop and became his disciple and admirer. Monica would not be outwitted. She pursued him to Milan via Rome and befriended St. Ambrose. The holy Bishop of Milan consoled her saying: “It is not possible that a son of these tears and prayers should perish.” These words seemed to be prophetic. After years of prayers and sacrifices, Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in 387. Shortly thereafter, Monica had a peaceful death at Ostia, Italy, with her beloved son Augustine at her bedside.
Reflection: Monica’s deep-rooted faith and her persistence and perseverance in prayers, tears and fasts, gained for the Church a brilliant philosopher, a matchless Theologian, a convincing apologist, an eloquent preacher and an incredible mystic. Monica’s journey of faith continues to be a model and an inspiration to many Christian mothers who have to cope with their wayward and dissolute children.
Bury this body anywhere. Don’t concern yourself about it. Nothing is far from God…but remember me at the altar of of Sacrifice. (St. Monica)
