Novena to St. Monica: A Prayer for Mothers, Families and Those Waiting in Hope

August 18, 2026: What do you do when someone you love seems far from God? How do you keep praying when change does not happen quickly? The life of St. Monica offers a powerful witness of patience, faith and perseverance. A mother who spent years praying for her son Augustine, St. Monica reminds us that prayer can remain faithful even when the answer seems far away.

Who was St. Monica?

St. Monica was born in Tagaste, in present-day Algeria, into a Christian family. She married Patricius and became the mother of three children. After the early death of her husband, Monica devoted herself to caring for her family and remained steadfast in her faith.

Her son Augustine caused her particular sorrow during his years of spiritual and moral wandering. Although he had been raised in the Christian faith, he moved away from it as a young man and followed other paths in his search for truth and meaning.

Monica did not give up on him. She continued to pray for his conversion and placed her hopes in God's grace. Her years of prayer and tears eventually brought her the joy of seeing Augustine return to the faith, receive Baptism and dedicate himself to the service of Christ. Pope Benedict XVI described her as a model and patroness of Christian mothers and highlighted her perseverance in praying for her son's conversion.

A mother who never stopped praying

St. Monica's story speaks to parents and families who carry concerns about their loved ones. There may be a child who has drifted away from the faith, a family relationship that needs healing, or someone whose choices cause worry and pain.

Her life shows that prayer does not mean having all the answers. It means continuing to place those we love in God's hands, even when we cannot see what He is doing.

St. Monica also reminds us that God's timing may be different from our own. Her prayers were not answered immediately, but she remained faithful. Her perseverance became part of the story of St. Augustine, one of the great saints and teachers of the Church.

Bring your intentions to prayer

Perhaps there is someone you have been praying for over many years. Perhaps you are concerned about your children, your marriage, your family or someone who has moved away from the faith. The beginning of this novena can be an opportunity to bring that person and those intentions before God through the intercession of St. Monica.

The novena is also an invitation to pray for your own faith. St. Monica's witness encourages us to remain close to God amid family difficulties and to trust His grace even when circumstances are difficult.

St. Monica died in Ostia in 387, after seeing Augustine return to the faith and prepare for a life devoted to God. Her liturgical memorial is celebrated on August 27, the day on which the Church honours her witness as a mother of faith and perseverance.

The Novena to St. Monica begins today, August 18, and leads up to her feast on August 27. Begin these nine days of prayer with the person, family concern or intention closest to your heart, and ask St. Monica to intercede for you.

Click here to pray the Novena.