"Go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place." (Mt. 6:6)

Today we begin our Novena to Saint Monica. As Jesus taught us, we will pray privately and quietly.  No one needs to know or to see us except our Father in heaven. God is in that sacred place where we pray, watching over us and listening to our every word with great love and attention.



"And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them.  In truth I tell you, they have had their reward.  But when you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you." Mt. 6:5-6

 

Novena to Saint Monica

 

Each day recite daily prayers, followed by special prayer of the day.

 

Daily Prayers

Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine, you perseveringly 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 Saint 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 Saint Monica, that God may favourably hear my plea for (mention your petitions 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.

(3) Hail Mary and (3) Glory Be in honour of Saint Monica. 

 

Saint Monica pray for us.

 

 Day One

 Remember dear Saint Monica, the joy that flooded your heart when Augustine, the son of your prayers and tears, turned his life over to the Lord.  Please present our novena petitions before God in whose presence you stand.  Obtain for us, if it be his holy will, the graces we request through your intercessory power, that we may experience the happiness of answered prayer. Amen.