Saint Monica

Saint Monica is a very famous good wife and loving mother in the history of the Catholic Church. She is the loving mother of St. Augustine. She leads a prayerful life dedicated to the reformation of her wayward son who is eventually canonized as a Saint. 

Monica was brought up by a very strict and demanding nanny. The nanny even did not allow her to drink water outside meal hours. For many, this order might sound unreasonable. However, the nanny had a good reason. She told Monica, “if you need water, you can take what you want and it is not a problem. Nevertheless, when you grow up and are in charge of a wine cellar, you will form the habit of stealing wine.” 

The worry of the nanny was not unfound. When Monica grew up, she very often stayed in the cellar and stealthily took wine. One day when Monica scolded one of her servants, the servant teased her back as a drunkard. Monica felt ashamed and was determined to change. Thereafter, she did not take a single drop of wine. 

She was married to Patricius who was a pagan. Both Patricius and his mother had a violent temper. The marriage life of Monica was unhappy. Her husband, however, respected her virtues and never bullied her. Monica made pious effort to change her husband. Finally both her husband and her mother-in-law were converted to the faith. 

St. Augustine was baptized in the Easter of 387. St. Monica had great joy as her hope was fulfilled. She died in the same year. The Church designated Monica as the patron saint of married women. 

Little Quiz 

What is the bad habit of St. Monica when she was young? 

What is the hope of St. Monica in her life? 

St. Monica is the patron saint for what kind of people?