Novena to Saint Monica for Children and Family Conversion
Feast Day: August 27 — Patron Saint of Mothers, Wives, and Those Praying for Conversion
Saint Monica is one of the most beloved saints in the Catholic Church, known for her steadfast faith and persistent prayers for the conversion of her husband and her son, Saint Augustine, who became one of the greatest Doctors of the Church. Her example reminds us that God hears the prayers of the faithful, even when the answer takes years.
This 9-day novena seeks her powerful intercession for our children, spouses, family members, and anyone who has wandered away from the faith.
Daily Novena Prayer to Saint Monica
(Pray this each day for 9 days.)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Saint Monica,
You never stopped praying for your wayward son Augustine, and through your faith and tears, he returned to God and became a great saint.
I ask for your intercession today for my loved ones, especially [name(s)], who are in need of God’s mercy.
Pray for them to have a change of heart, to turn away from sin, and to embrace the love of Christ.
Pray for me, too, that I may have patience, faith, and perseverance in prayer, never losing hope.
O loving mother, present my prayers to Jesus, and obtain for me the grace I need to remain faithful and trust in God’s perfect timing.
Saint Monica, pray for us.
Amen.
Optional Daily Meditation
You may add a short meditation or Scripture reading each day to reflect on perseverance, love, and trust in God’s plan.
Closing Prayer for Each Day
O God, comforter of the sorrowful,
You accepted the tears of Saint Monica for the conversion of her son Augustine.
Grant us, through their prayers, that we may weep for our sins and find your grace and mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Intercessory Intentions
You can dedicate this novena for:
- For the conversion of friends who have drifted away from the Church
- For those who have lost faith or live far from God’s grace
- The conversion of children or grandchildren
- Healing in family relationships
- Return of a spouse or loved one to the faith
- Strength for mothers in times of trial
📅 How to Pray This Novena: Begin on August 19 to finish on her feast day, August 27. You may also pray it at any time of the year when seeking her intercession.
Biography of Saint Monica
Saint Monica was born in Tagaste, North Africa (modern-day Algeria) in 331 AD, into a Christian family. She was given in marriage to Patricius, a pagan with a difficult temper. Despite the challenges in her marriage, she lived her faith with patience and love, eventually leading her husband to convert to Christianity before his death.
Her greatest trial was her son, Augustine, who abandoned the faith and lived a life far from God. Monica followed him with her prayers, tears, and perseverance for over 17 years. Her steadfast intercession was rewarded when Augustine embraced the Catholic faith, was baptized, and became one of the greatest Doctors of the Church.
Saint Monica died in 387 AD in Ostia, Italy, shortly after witnessing her son’s conversion. She is the patron saint of mothers, wives, and all those who pray for the conversion of loved ones. Her feast day is celebrated on August 27.