Faithful God,

light of all hearts,

we praise you for St. Monica,

woman of living faith and reconciling love.

She nursed her son, St. Augustine,

in the name of Jesus,

and urged him tirelessly to a Christian way of life.

In answer to her prayers

for St. Augustine’s conversion,

you gave her greater joy than

all hear tears had dared to ask.

Through the intercession

of St. Monica, we ask you to hear our prayers.

As you once captivated the heart of St. Augustine,

so now draw our hearts to you,

beauty ever ancient, ever new.

Amen.