9 Days Novena to St. Monica: Complete Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

A novena is a traditional Catholic practice of praying for nine consecutive days to seek special graces, offer thanksgiving, or petition for a specific intention. The Novena to St. Monica honors the 4th-century saint, mother of St. Augustine, known for her persistent prayers for the conversion of her wayward son and pagan husband. She is the patron saint of mothers, married women, difficult marriages, alcoholics, and those praying for wayward children. The novena is traditionally prayed from August 18 to August 26, leading to her feast day on August 27, but can be prayed anytime.

Complete Prayers for the 9 Days Novena to St. Monica

The following is a structured novena prayer, adapted from traditional sources like Pray More Novenas and the Augustinian Province, to be recited daily for nine days. Each day includes an opening prayer, a main novena prayer, and a closing prayer, with a focus on St. Monica’s intercession.

Day 1

Opening Prayer: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O God, the Comforter of the sorrowful and the Salvation of those who put their trust in You, hear our prayers through the intercession of St. Monica.
Novena Prayer: 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 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.
Closing Prayer: O Glorious St. Monica, after a lifetime of tearful prayers, fasting, and sacrifice, you were granted the happiness of witnessing both your husband’s and son’s conversion. Grant us that same peace, faith, and acceptance of God’s will, that we may live in serenity and go joyfully to our heavenly home. Amen.

Day 2

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 3

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 4

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 5

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 6

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 7

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 8

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)

Day 9

Opening Prayer: (As above)
Novena Prayer: (As above, with your specific intention)
Closing Prayer: (As above)
Optional Act of Consecration: O St. Monica, patroness of mothers and wives, I consecrate myself and my family to your intercession. Pray for us to grow in faith, hope, and charity, and to trust in God’s mercy. May we, through your prayers, be united in God’s love now and forever. Amen.

7 Real-Life Stories

These testimonies, inspired by accounts from devotees, highlight answered prayers through St. Monica’s intercession, drawn from sources like Pray More Novenas.

Family Reconciliation: A mother prayed the novena for her son, estranged for years. During the novena, he began responding to messages and called his grandmother, signaling reconciliation.
Financial Breakthrough: A family sought funds for a long-delayed project. Through the novena, they received the funds, attributing it to St. Monica’s prayers.
Addiction Recovery: A mother prayed for her son’s alcoholism. On the ninth day, he borrowed a rosary to pray, showing signs of seeking sobriety.
Job Opportunity: A devotee prayed for her daughter’s employment. During the novena, she secured a job at a Catholic organization, strengthening her faith.
Health Miracle: A husband with multiple myeloma prayed the novena. By the end, a new drug put his cancer in remission, credited to St. Monica.
Return to Faith: A grandmother prayed for her granddaughter’s return to church. On the last day, the granddaughter asked to attend Mass, a joyful answer.
Housing Solution: A student prayed for last-minute housing at university. On the ninth day, a job providing an apartment was offered, thanks to St. Monica.

7 Bible Stories

These stories reflect themes of perseverance, conversion, and intercession, aligning with St. Monica’s life.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): A wayward son returns, mirroring St. Monica’s prayers for Augustine’s conversion.
Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1:9-20): Hannah’s persistent prayer for a child reflects Monica’s steadfastness.
The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8): The widow’s perseverance in seeking justice parallels Monica’s prayerful persistence.
The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19): Saul’s transformation into Paul echoes Augustine’s conversion through Monica’s prayers.
The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28): Her persistent faith for her daughter’s healing reflects Monica’s intercession.
The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10): The centurion’s faith for another’s healing mirrors Monica’s prayers for others.
The Raising of the Widow’s Son (Luke 7:11-17): Jesus’ compassion for a mother’s loss aligns with Monica’s maternal heart.

7 Comments by People

These paraphrased comments, inspired by online testimonies, reflect devotees’ experiences with the St. Monica Novena.

“My son started talking to me again during the novena. Thank you, St. Monica!” —A mother
“I prayed for my husband’s cancer remission, and it happened. St. Monica is powerful.” —A wife
“My daughter got a faith-based job during the novena. Glory to God!” —A parent
“St. Monica helped my grandson with his seizures. God is good!” —A grandmother
“My family received funds we needed. St. Monica’s prayers worked!” —A devotee
“My granddaughter asked to go to Mass after the novena. Praise Jesus!” —A grandmother
“I prayed for my daughter’s sobriety, and she’s praying the rosary now. Thank you, St. Monica.” —A mother

10 Bible Verses

These verses emphasize perseverance, faith, and conversion, resonating with St. Monica’s intercession.

Luke 15:20 – “His father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son.”
1 Samuel 1:27 – “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked.”
Luke 18:1 – “They should always pray and not give up.”
Acts 9:17 – “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus… has sent me so that you may see again.”
Matthew 15:28 – “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”
Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them.”
James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
1 Timothy 2:1 – “Requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all.”
Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The devotion to St. Monica centers on her life of persistent prayer, fasting, and sacrifice for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, and her husband, Patricius. Born in 332 AD in North Africa, Monica faced a difficult marriage to a pagan with a violent temper and a wayward son who embraced hedonism and Manichaeism. Her unwavering faith led to their conversions, with Augustine becoming a Doctor of the Church. The novena, often prayed from August 18–26, is popular among mothers praying for children who have strayed from faith, as well as for difficult marriages and those struggling with addiction. Devotees honor Monica through prayers, Masses, and wearing St. Monica medals, seeking her intercession for perseverance and hope.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

These saints’ stories reflect perseverance and intercession, akin to St. Monica’s life.

St. Rita of Cascia (1381–1457): Known as the saint of impossible causes, Rita endured a difficult marriage and prayed for her sons’ salvation, mirroring Monica’s persistence.
St. John Vianney (1786–1859): The Curé of Ars prayed tirelessly for his parishioners’ conversions, reflecting Monica’s intercessory zeal.
St. Margaret of Scotland (1045–1093): A mother who raised her children in faith despite a challenging court life, her devotion parallels Monica’s maternal care.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

These Gospel accounts highlight Jesus’ mercy and conversion, resonating with Monica’s prayers for transformation.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): The son’s return to his father mirrors Augustine’s conversion through Monica’s prayers.
The Samaritan Woman (John 4:5-42): Jesus’ encounter led her to faith, as Monica’s prayers led Augustine to Christ.
Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): Jesus called Zacchaeus to repentance, reflecting Monica’s hope for her son.
The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11): Jesus’ mercy saved her, akin to Monica’s trust in God’s mercy.
The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43): His last-minute conversion shows God’s grace, which Monica sought for Augustine.

10 Prophetic Declarations

These declarations are inspired by St. Monica’s intercession and faith.

Through St. Monica’s prayers, my family is drawn closer to God.
I am strengthened to persevere in prayer like St. Monica.
My loved ones will return to faith through God’s grace.
St. Monica intercedes for my heart’s deepest intentions.
I trust in God’s mercy, as St. Monica did.
My children are protected by St. Monica’s maternal care.
God heals my family through St. Monica’s intercession.
I am granted peace to accept God’s will.
My prayers, like Monica’s, will bear fruit in God’s time.
I will join St. Monica in heaven through faithful prayer.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

These are inspired by priests’ teachings on St. Monica’s intercession.

“St. Monica’s prayers teach us to never give up on our loved ones.” —Augustinian priest
“Her persistence in prayer is a model for all mothers.” —Parish priest
“Trust St. Monica to carry your burdens to God.” —Local priest
“Her tears for Augustine show the power of faithful prayer.” —Augustinian priest
“St. Monica guides us to hope in God’s mercy.” —Missionary priest
“Her intercession brings wayward souls back to Christ.” —Parish priest
“Pray with St. Monica’s fervor, and God will hear you.” —Local priest
“Her life proves that God answers persistent prayers.” —Augustinian priest
“St. Monica’s love transforms families through faith.” —Missionary priest
“Her intercession strengthens us in trials.” —Parish priest

10 Prayer Points

These intentions guide your novena prayers.

For the conversion of wayward children.
For strength in difficult marriages.
For freedom from addiction.
For perseverance in prayer.
For trust in God’s will.
For family reconciliation.
For healing of emotional wounds.
For mothers facing trials.
For faith to overcome despair.
For eternal salvation through St. Monica’s intercession.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on St. Monica

As you begin each day of this novena, take a moment to quiet your heart and imagine St. Monica, a mother weeping for her son Augustine, yet never losing hope. Picture her kneeling in prayer, her tears falling as she entrusts her family to God’s mercy. Reflect on her perseverance, praying for over 15 years until Augustine’s conversion, a testament to the power of persistent faith.

Consider your own intentions for this novena—perhaps a loved one who has strayed, a struggling marriage, or personal trials. Offer these to St. Monica, asking her to carry them to Jesus, as she did for Augustine. Meditate on her words, “Nothing is far from God,” and her trust in divine providence ( Confessions of St. Augustine). How can you emulate her patience and faith?

Recall the parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), which mirrors Monica’s unyielding prayer. Let her example inspire you to pray without ceasing, trusting that God hears every cry. Close with the novena prayer, asking St. Monica to intercede for your needs, and rest in the assurance that, through her prayers, God’s grace will work in His perfect time.