Use the links below to quickly jump to a particular day of the novena, or keep scrolling to get started from the beginning.
- Day 1 – For All Mothers
- Day 2 – For All Wives
- Day 3 – For Widows
- Day 4 – For All Families
- Day 5 – For Victims of Abuse
- Day 6 – For Those Battling Alcoholism
- Day 7 – For All Dealing with Grief
- Day 8 – For All Those Who Have Fallen Away
- Day 9 – Pursuit of Sainthood
Praying a novena to St. Monica has been a staple of the faith lives of many Christians for at least hundreds of years.
The Bishop’s Dilemma, an 1898 novel, makes reference to a mother praying a novena to St. Monica because her son “drank more than was good for him” and spent most of his time playing billiards. In modern times, the novena remains popular with mothers praying for children who have distanced themselves from God.
More Than Just Augustine’s Mother
Monica is well known for being the mother to St. Augustine, who had a miraculous conversion to the faith and went on to become a Doctor of the Church as well as a prolific writer, penning works like City of God and Confessions.
But Monica’s sainthood represents the remarkable faith she displayed in so many aspects of her life. Given in marriage to a pagan man, Patricius, Monica loved him and prayed for him, while dealing with his violent temper and complicated relationships with his family. He eventually converted and died shortly after.
Though she struggled as a single mother of three, Monica persevered and never gave up. She lived selflessly and prayed diligently.
St. Monica continues to pray for us today.
St. Monica Novena – How to Pray
St. Monica is considered the patron saint of many groups and causes, from mothers, wives and widows to those suffering from alcoholism and those who are victims of abuse. She’s also become specifically the patron of all mothers praying for their children.
In this St. Monica Novena, we’ll lift up a specific cause each day, while allowing you to offer up your own special intention each day over the course of nine days.
Pray this novena to St. Monica
Day 1 – For Mothers
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and these intentions, as we pray today especially for all the mothers and motherly figures in the world.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 2 – For Wives
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and these intentions, as we lift up married women today. We think of those wives in our lives and especially for those in challenging relationships.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions. (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 3 – For Widows
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and these intentions. Today we lift up all widows, that they may never feel alone knowing God is near them.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 4 – For Families
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and today especially, all families. Pray that God’s love can unite us and reconcile us. You know families can sometimes bring with them painful dynamics. Pray for us as we look to God as our source of hope.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 5 – For Victims of Abuse
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and in a special way today, for all victims of abuse. Pray that God may rescue them from shame and wrap them in His healing love.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 6 – For Those Battling Alcoholism
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and in a special way today, for all those whose lives are negatively impacted by alcoholism and alcohol abuse.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 7 – For Those Suffering Grief
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and for everyone dealing with grief, loss and sadness today.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 8 – For Those Who Have Fallen Away
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, and pray for those who have fallen away from their faith or who have not yet come to know God. You were so patient in praying for those close to you whose hearts and minds had not yet been touched by God. We pray for peace in our own hearts and ask you to intercede in prayer for those who are not making space for God in their lives.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 9 – For the Pursuit of Sainthood
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
St. Monica, you remind us that “nothing is far from God.” As we seek to feel close to our loving Father, pray for me, that these nine days spent in prayer will help me better live my calling toward sainthood. You remind us that ordinary people like me can live saintly lives. Pray that I may choose good over evil and love God and others more fully than I ever imagined possible.
St. Monica, you prayed fervently during your time here on earth. We ask for your intercession today for these special intentions: (Share your intention for this St. Monica Novena)
Dear St. Monica, through your powerful intercessory prayers, your son Augustine allowed God to soften his heart. Through Augustine, and the example of your tireless love, the world has been able to encounter God in a profound way. St. Monica, you know well the struggles we can encounter in this world, especially challenges with those who are close to us. Challenges that can sometimes cause us to lose sight of the beauty of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We ask for your intercession, that God’s infinite love may heal, comfort and strengthen us, and that the Holy Spirit may bring our hearts closer together and closer to God. St. Monica, Pray for us!
Close with a prayer from St. Augustine
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, That my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, That my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, That I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, To defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, That I always may be holy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
More Prayer Resources
If you enjoyed praying the St. Monica Novena, consider other novenas to help you deepen your faith: