Monica

Monica is a name popularized by a 4th century saint, the mother of St. Augustine (who immortalized his mother’s virtues in his autobiographical “Confessions”). A native of Northern Africa, Monica’s name is believed to be of Phoenician origin. But as her cult grew in the Middle Ages, the name became associated with the Latin “monere” which means ‘to warn, advise’. This folk etymology fit nicely with the notion that it was mother Monica who guided her wayward son toward Christianity. St. Monica was in an arranged marriage with a North African Roman official, who was also a pagan. They had three children (Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetua). Through her unwavering patience and constant prayers, she was finally able to convert her husband to Christianity. Her children Navigius and Perpetua also entered the religious life. But we all must suffer at least one unbearably rebellious child, and Augustine was her challenge. She spent years following him around Italy and incessantly prayed for him. Even the priests were said to avoid her, so persistent was she in what they thought to be a hopeless cause. One priest was noted for consoling Monica: "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish." Augustine was finally baptized in 387 A.D. and Monica died shortly thereafter (presumably a happy woman!). She is the patron saint of wives and abuse victims and her feast day is August 27th. Her legend and cult grew by the 13th century and her name was adopted by Christians throughout Europe, most notably by the French in the form of Monique.