A novena to St. Monica will take place from Aug. 19 to her feast day, Aug. 27. Organized by AM 1260 The Rock, Cleveland’s Catholic radio station, the novena will include daily novena prayers broadcast at 3 p.m. There also will be a closing Mass at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 in St. Monica Church, 13623 Rockside Road, Garfield Heights, the only parish in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland named in her honor.
Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries will be the main celebrant of the Mass. Father Doug Brown, AM1260 chaplain and pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, will be the homilist.
St. Monica, the patron saint of alcoholics, conversion, mothers and wives, may be known best for her constant, faithful prayer for the conversion of her husband, Patricius, and her son, Augustine.
She was born about the year 330 in North Africa and was given in marriage by her parents to Patricius, a pagan. Her mother-in-law lived with the couple and while Patricius often criticized Monica for her charity and piety, he respected her. After Monica’s years of prayer, both Patricius and his mother converted to Christianity. He died in 371, a year after his baptism.
The couple had at least three children who survived beyond infancy. The most famous is St. Augustine. He was 17 when his father died and a student. Monica was upset to learn that Augustine accepted the Manichean heresy, that all flesh is evil, and was living an immoral life. For a time, she wouldn’t allow him to eat or sleep in her house. One night, she had a vision assuring her that Augustine would return to the faith. After that, she stayed close to him, praying and fasting for him.
At age 29, Augustine wanted to go to Rome to teach rhetoric and Monica wanted to go along. He tricked her, leaving early, but she still followed him. When she got to Rome, she learned he had moved to Milan and she followed him there.
During his time in Milan, Augustine was influenced by the bishop, St. Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. She accepted his advice and became a leader of devout women in Milan. She also continued to pray for her son, who, along with several friends, was baptized at Easter 387 by St. Ambrose.
Soon after, Augustine left for Africa. Knowing her life was nearing an end, Monica told her son that she didn’t know what else was left for her in this world. She became ill and after suffering for nine days, she died. Much of what is known about her is included in her son’s writings. He became a doctor of the Church, bishop of Hippo and later was canonized.
A different guest will lead the novena each of the nine days.
Click here for more information, to download or print the novena.