Novena to St. Monica (feast day Aug.27)

Monica was an early Christian living in what is now Algeria.  Through her incessant prayers, she was able to convert her pagan husband and two of her three children to the faith.  Her third son, Augustine, was a bigger project.  Although a brilliant student, he opted to live a dissolute, sensual, pagan lifestyle.  Monica prayed for him for 17 years before he converted, and, having accomplished her goal, she died that same year (387).  Augustine, of course, went on to become one of the greatest Christian writers in history. 

I think that St. Monica is a good reminder to all of us mothers never to give up on our children.  There are so many parents out there who, when their children arrive at their rebellious adolescence, throw up their hands in defeat way too soon.  If we truly believe in the power of prayer, there is nothing that we can't hope for.  How proud would you be in heaven if, one day, your child was canonized as a saint?  Nothing is impossible with God.   

This novena to St. Monica begins on Thursday, August 18th, for 9 days before her feast day. 

Novena To Saint Monica

Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine,
You perserveringly pursued your wayward son
Not with wild threats
But with prayerful cries to heaven.

Intercede for all mothers in our day
So that they may learn
To draw their children to God.

Teach them how to remain
Close to their children,
Even the prodigal sons and daughters
Who have sadly gone astray.

Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother,
Many sorrows pierced your heart
During your lifetime.
Yet you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence and profound faith,
You prayed daily for the conversion
Of your beloved husband, Patricius
And your beloved son, Augustine.

Grant me that same fortitude,
Patience and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
That God may favorably hear my plea
For

(mention your petition here)

And grant me the grace
To accept his will in all things,
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God forever and ever. Amen.