St Monica

This North African laywoman married Patricius; St. Augustine of Hippo was their eldest child.

She tried to bring him up a Christian but also was ambitious for his worldly success.

He scorned Christianity and had a son with his mistress.

In 383 Monica followed Augustine to Italy, where she was a follower of St. Ambrose.

Three years later, Augustine was baptized. But Monica fell ill and died before their return to Africa.

Years before, a bishop had famously counselled her: “It is not possible that the son of so many tears should be lost.”

Text: Catholic News Service
Image: Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain