Feast of St Augustine of Hippo (Novena to His Mother, St Monica)

There is also, of course, the Apostle of the English, St Augustine of Canterbury. The two are often confused, except in England, where the Saint of Hippo is called Augustine, and the Saint of Canterbury is called Austin.

St Augustine of Hippo was converted to the Faith by the prayers of his mother, St Monica. Her husband, Patricius, St Augustine's father, died a pagan. In his writings he asked for prayers for the soul of his father. Today, St Monica is invoked as an intercessor for the conversion of friends and loved ones. Here is a novena to her for that intention, and for the soul of Patricius.

Novena to Saint Monica

Dear Saint Monica, thou wert once the mournful mother of a prodigal son. Thy faithfulness to prayer brought thee and thy son so close to God that thou art now with him in eternity. By thine intercession and God’s grace, thy son St Augustine became a great and venerable Saint of the Church. Please take my requests to God with the same fervour and persistence with which thou didst pray for thine own son.

For N. (or N .N.) that (s)he (they) may come to the Truth of our Holy Faith, and for thy husband, Patricius, that he may join thee and thy son in Blessedness.

With thy needs, worries and anxieties, thou threwest thyself on the mercy and providence of God. Through sorrow and pain, thou didst constantly devote thyself to God. Pray for me that I might join thee in such a deep faith in God’s goodness and mercy. Amen.

Above all, dear Saint Monica, pray for me that I may, like thy son, turn from my sin and become a great saint for the glory of God. Amen.