NOVENA TO SAINT MONICA

Exemplary Mother of the Great Augustine,

You perserveringly pursued your wayward son

Not with wild threats

But with prayerful cries to heaven.

Intercede for all mothers in our day

So that they may learn

To draw their children to God.

Teach them how to remain

Close to their children,

Even the prodigal sons and daughters

Who have sadly gone astray.

Dear St Monica, troubled wife and mother,

Many sorrows pierced your heart

During your lifetime.

Yet you never despaired or lost faith.

With confidence, persistence and profound faith,

You prayed daily for the conversion

Of your beloved husband, Patricius

And your beloved son, Augustine.

Grant me that same fortitude,

Patience and trust in the Lord.

Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,

That God may favorably hear my plea for

[State your petition here.)

And grant me the grace

To accept his will in all things,

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

In the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God forever and ever.

Amen.