Monica of Hippo

Born in Thagaste (modern Souk Ahras, Algeria) into a Christian family, Saint Monica is best known as the mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Married to a pagan named Patricius, she endured his infidelity and quick temper with patience and prayer, eventually securing his conversion to Christianity a year before his death. Her greatest trial was the long period of debauchery and intellectual wandering of her son Augustine. For many years, she prayed and wept tirelessly for his conversion, following him from Thagaste to Carthage, then to Rome, and finally to Milan, where she met Saint Ambrose, the bishop who played a crucial role in Augustine's conversion. She died in Ostia, near Rome, as she was preparing to return to Africa with Augustine after his conversion and baptism. Her perseverance in prayer is a model for all parents and for those seeking the conversion of their loved ones.