<p>Monica was born in North Africa in 332 of Christian parents. At a young age, she was given in marriage to Patricius; they had three children. Unfortunately, Patricius was a pagan with a good heart but bad habits, a violent temper, and a mother who was hostile to Monica. Patricius criticized his wife's piety and her generosity to the poor, but was always respectful of her person. Monica's influence was such that both husband and mother-in-law converted to Christianity. In 371, a year after his baptism, Patricius died.</p>
<p>Monica then devoted herself in earnest to the conversion of her son, Augustine (see August 28), who had abandoned his Christian faith. When she learned that he had embraced Manichaeism, she grieved, but her hope for him was restored by a vision which took nine years to fulfill. Meanwhile, when her son decided to go to Rome to teach, she resolved to accompany him, but he managed to leave without her, perhaps weary of her petitions. When she caught up with him in Milan, he had met Bishop Ambrose and returned to his faith. Mother and son enjoyed a close relationship from then on. Monica died during their return trip to Africa. She had said that there was nothing left for her to do, all her hopes having been fulfilled.</p>
<p>All we know about Monica comes from Augustine's <em>Confessions.</em> In the tenth chapter of Book IX, he describes a spiritual experience which they shared near the end of her life, and he always remembered his mother's efforts on his behalf. She is a patroness of mothers.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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