We recognize the heartache when our loved ones have drifted away from their faith. St. Monica knew this pain so well and is a model for us to persevere in prayer for those we desire to return.
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, for (mention 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.
SAINT MONICA – Your prayers, pilgrimages, fasts and words were fruitful, but only after many tears. Help us to be as concerned as you for the immortal souls of those close to us. ST. MONICA, PRAY FOR US.
“And remember: you and I alone cannot open people’s hearts. Only the Holy Spirit can open people’s hearts. God loves the people for whom we pray, even more than we do. We may not see results today or tomorrow, or even in our lifetimes. But seeing results isn’t up to us. Praying with trust and perseverance, as St Monica did, is up to us. The rest is in the hands of God. And there is no better or safer place to be than in the hands of the God who is love.” ~ Fr Joseph Marcello
