Saint Monica (c. 331–387) was born in Tagaste in North Africa and is best known as the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. She prayed persistently for many years for the conversion of her son, who eventually embraced Christianity and became one of the Church's greatest theologians. She died at Ostia, near Rome, shortly after Augustine's baptism, as they prepared to return to Africa.
Monica's life shows the power of patient, persevering prayer and quiet faithfulness amid family struggles. She never gave up hope for her son, trusting God through years of apparent fruitlessness. She is a model for all who pray and wait for the conversion of loved ones.
O God, who consoled Saint Monica with the conversion of her son Augustine, grant us her spirit of persevering prayer, that we may never lose hope for those we love. Amen.