Devotees of Saint Monica celebrate Sunday, Aug. 27, the feast day of the revered patron saint of mothers and wives.
At the Santa Monica de Tondo Parish in Tondo, Manila, the solemn feast day mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m.
A feast day mass will also be held on Monday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. on the feast day of her son, San Agustin, the founder of the Augustinian Order.
Novena masses were offered from Aug. 18 to 26.
Holy masses will also be held in honor of St. Monica in parishes placed under her patronage such as in San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila as well as in Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte; Alburquerque, Bohol; Taytay, Palawan; Minalin, Pampanga; Pavia, Iloilo; Botolan, Zambales; Panay, Capiz; Sarrat, Ilocos Norte; and in Angat, Bulacan.
St. Monica is the mother of one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints, St. Augustine (San Agustin), the founder of the Augustinian Order, whose feast day will be observed on Monday, Aug. 28.
Considered as a great model for Christian mothers, she converted her wayward son, St. Augustine, as well as her pagan husband and his mother, through intense praying and fasting.
St. Augustine wrote about his mother’s pious acts and his life with her in Confessions.
Born in Tagaste, North Africa in the year 331, St. Monica was a staunch devotee of the Blessed Mother. She was admired for her patience, perseverance, prayerful disposition, and deep faith.
She died in the year 387 in Ostia, Italy where she was buried.
St. Monica is also honored in the Orthodox Churches.