St. Monica: Model of the Virtuous Mother

What makes St. Monica a model of virtuous mother is her unwavering hope and prayer for her son, Augustine. She poured forth many tears and prayer to God for his conversion. Thirty years after, her prayers were answered. Augustine converted to the faith and was baptized.

St. Monica, through her example, teaches us that faith in God makes us patient and trusting believers. She never stopped praying despite the length of time she had to wait. Every tear that fell from her eyes watered the seed of transformation that God planted in the heart and mind of Augustine. In time, it grew and became a strong and vibrant faith.

St. Monica’s love of God was concretized in her love for her son. She did not only give birth, she also gave love. She did not hide his faults; she corrected them. She did not smother him, she nurtured him.  She is the real essence of a mother: life-giving.

St. Monica, pray for all mothers.