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27 August 2006
Monica, Faithful Mother
27 August AD 387
A native of North Africa, Monica was the devoted mother of one of the great theologians of early Christianity. She was born to a Christian family in Tagaste but her parents married her to a pagan named Patricius. Throughout her life she sought the spiritual welfare of her children, especially that of her brilliant son, Augustine, who provides us with the details of his mother's life.
Patricius was prone to both adultery and violent rages. Augustine reports that his father beat Monica. She also faced ongoing interference and resentment from her mother-in-law. After she was widowed at a fairly young age, Monica devoted herself to her family. She prayed especially for many years for Augustine's conversion from Manichaeism, a dualistic religious philosophy, and for his release from an immoral lifestyle.
When Augustine left North Africa to go to Italy, she followed him to Rome and then Milan. There she had the joy of witnessing her son's conversion to the Christian faith and his baptism by the Bishop of Milan, Saint Ambrose.
Following her son's conversion and baptism, Saint Monica hoped to travel back to Africa. However, her travels weakened her and she died at Ostia, Italy. On some ecclesial calendars, Monica is remembered on May 4 but many have moved her commemoration to the day before the Church celebrates the life and work of her famous son.
Because the region was visited by missionaries on her feast day, the city of Santa Monica, California was named in her honor.
Technorati Tags: Saint Monica | Monica | Saint Augustine | Augustine of Hippo | Saint Ambrose | Santa Monica ¶ 19:16 |
A native of North Africa, Monica was the devoted mother of one of the great theologians of early Christianity. She was born to a Christian family in Tagaste but her parents married her to a pagan named Patricius. Throughout her life she sought the spiritual welfare of her children, especially that of her brilliant son, Augustine, who provides us with the details of his mother's life.Patricius was prone to both adultery and violent rages. Augustine reports that his father beat Monica. She also faced ongoing interference and resentment from her mother-in-law. After she was widowed at a fairly young age, Monica devoted herself to her family. She prayed especially for many years for Augustine's conversion from Manichaeism, a dualistic religious philosophy, and for his release from an immoral lifestyle.
When Augustine left North Africa to go to Italy, she followed him to Rome and then Milan. There she had the joy of witnessing her son's conversion to the Christian faith and his baptism by the Bishop of Milan, Saint Ambrose.
Following her son's conversion and baptism, Saint Monica hoped to travel back to Africa. However, her travels weakened her and she died at Ostia, Italy. On some ecclesial calendars, Monica is remembered on May 4 but many have moved her commemoration to the day before the Church celebrates the life and work of her famous son.
Because the region was visited by missionaries on her feast day, the city of Santa Monica, California was named in her honor.
Technorati Tags: Saint Monica | Monica | Saint Augustine | Augustine of Hippo | Saint Ambrose | Santa Monica ¶ 19:16 |
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If our son Chris had been a girl, he would've been named Monica, after St. Monica. He was born only 2 months before the Monica Lewinski scandal broke though, and I cannot tell you how thankful I am that he was a boy!
She is indeed an example of steadfastness, though.
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She is indeed an example of steadfastness, though.
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