Monica, or Monnica
(c. 331-387). Mother of Augustine of Hippo. She was probably born in Tagaste, North Africa. Monica married Patricius, who may have been a nominal Christian. She was the mother of three children: Augustine, Navigius, and Perpetus. Most of the information about her is in Augustine's Confessions (Book IX). She was deeply committed to Augustine's conversion to Christianity. He did convert to Christianity in 386. Monica died in Ostia, Italy. In 1430 her remains were moved from Ostia to the Church of St. Augustine in Rome. Because of her influence on Augustine to become a Christian, she is recognized as a model for Christian mothers. Monica is commemorated on May 4 in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on the day before Augustine's conversion, May 5, 386.
Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.