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Saint Monica: Model of Christian Mothers
The famous persevering mother whose prayers, patience and good example at last obtained the conversion of her wayward son - the great St. Augustine - as well as her pagan husband and her mother-in-law. Includes her childhood, difficult marriage, anguish over Augustine, constancy and - in the end - her joy at his conversion. A magnificent story of prayer finally answered! Impr. 115 pgs 4 Illus, PB
Paperback
First published May 1, 1998
About the author
F.A. Forbes
75 books22 followersF. A. Forbes (16 March 1869 – 1936) was the nom de plume of Mother Frances Alice Monica Forbes, RSCJ, a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart from Scotland and a religious author.
She was born in 1869 as Alice Forbes into a Presbyterian family. Her mother died when she was a child. In 1900 she became a Roman Catholic. Only a few months later, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart, as a 31-year-old postulant.
She wrote numerous books, including brief biographies of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint John Bosco, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Columba, Saint Monica, Saint Athanasius, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Benedict, Saint Hugh of Lincoln, Saint Vincent de Paul, and, most famously, Pope Saint Pius X. She died in 1936.
She was born in 1869 as Alice Forbes into a Presbyterian family. Her mother died when she was a child. In 1900 she became a Roman Catholic. Only a few months later, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart, as a 31-year-old postulant.
She wrote numerous books, including brief biographies of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint John Bosco, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Columba, Saint Monica, Saint Athanasius, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Benedict, Saint Hugh of Lincoln, Saint Vincent de Paul, and, most famously, Pope Saint Pius X. She died in 1936.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 5, 2024
Saint “Mother” Monica is a life all mothers should study. She’s not what I thought - I learned much from her and this sweet little book has ignited a fire in me to learn more about her. A beautiful woman of God! Oh Lord create in us women the heart of Monica to walk with you as she did. Definitely recommend this book, short read!
January 9, 2025
Shout out to all the moms out there
September 22, 2025
The power of good and mothers love, it moves mountains. Saint Monica was an extraordinary woman, who through keeping her faith and treating everyone kindly has managed to transform the lives of many.
June 23, 2022
Một người vợ phúc hậu và là một người mẹ tuyệt vời.
Bằng lời cầu nguyện chân thành Mẹ đã cứu lấy chính người chồng và người con rất đỗi nổi tiếng là thánh Augustine.
Mẹ nói với những phụ nữ không may mắn trong hôn nhân,
Lời cầu nguyện thật là một sức mạnh phi thường làm nên vị thánh tốt lành như mẹ.
Bằng lời cầu nguyện chân thành Mẹ đã cứu lấy chính người chồng và người con rất đỗi nổi tiếng là thánh Augustine.
Mẹ nói với những phụ nữ không may mắn trong hôn nhân,
"Nếu có thể cầm giữ miệng lưỡi mình, không chỉ bạn có thể tránh bị bạo hành, mà có thể, một ngày nào đó, hoán cải chồng bạn trở nên một người tốt."
Lời cầu nguyện thật là một sức mạnh phi thường làm nên vị thánh tốt lành như mẹ.
March 4, 2018
Satisfying if you're looking for a top-level intro to who Saint Monica was, but will probably still leave you seeking more as most of the book focused on Augustine. Yes, that Augustine.
May 25, 2019
its alright for what it is; it perhaps cant or oughtnt to be blamed for what it isnt. -behold-?
June 13, 2021
Very recommended.
I always thought Saint Augustine’s baptism was delayed in order to allow him to sin and then be made spotless by baptism but it was almost the opposite.
Saint Monica was worried if she baptized her son he would not practice the faith and be worse off for it.
Back then a scrupulous attitude led the Catholic parent in a mixed pagan/Catholic family to not baptise their children until the children were instructed first and not dragged into sin by the pagan parent.
I always thought Saint Augustine’s baptism was delayed in order to allow him to sin and then be made spotless by baptism but it was almost the opposite.
Saint Monica was worried if she baptized her son he would not practice the faith and be worse off for it.
Back then a scrupulous attitude led the Catholic parent in a mixed pagan/Catholic family to not baptise their children until the children were instructed first and not dragged into sin by the pagan parent.
September 9, 2025
I was looking for a biography of Saint Monica not thinking that there could be limited amount of source material. It reads like a historical novel. The descriptions of early family life are no doubt all author’s invention. The main source is no doubt Saint Augustine’s “Confessions” though there is precious little about Saint Monica, his mother, in it.
February 28, 2025
"Monica would ask them if they thought it needed more strenght to speak or to be silent when provoked, and which was easier, to smile or to sulk when insulted?"
"Of all the hidden forces in the world perhaps the most mysterious is what we call "influence." For good or for evil, to a lesser or a greater degree, it goes out from each one of us, and has its effect on all with whom we come in contact. It is like a subtle breath that braces the spirit to good, or relaxes it to evil, but never leaves it untouched or unmoved... and earnest effort is the simple secret of healthy influence."
"He was infinite in mercy, and strong to save. He had promised that He would never fail those who put their trust in Him. At His feet, and at His feet alone, Monica poured out her tears and her sorrow. With others she was serene and hopeful as of old, even joyous, always ready to help and comfort."
"Monica drew fresh hope from her son's writings. They were full of noble thoughts and high aspirations. Such a mind could not remain in error. Some day, surely, in God's good time, he would come to know the truth."
"How are you getting on?" she asked, for she knew what they were discussing. Augustine invited her to join them, but Monica smiled. "I have never heard of a woman amongst the philosophers," she said. "That is a mistake," replied Augustine. "There were women philosophers amongst the ancients, and you know, my dear mother, that I like your philosophy very much. Philosophy means nothing else but love of wisdom. Now you love wisdom more even than you love me, and I know how much that is. Why, you are so far advanced in wisdom that you fear no ill-fortune, not even death itself. Everybody says that this is the very height of philosophy. I will therefore sit at your feet as your disciple."
"Can a man be happy," he said, "if he has not what he wants, and is he happy if he has it?" Monica was the first to answer this question. "If he wants what is good and has it," she replied, "he is happy. But if he wants what is bad, he is not happy even if he has it."
"Of all the hidden forces in the world perhaps the most mysterious is what we call "influence." For good or for evil, to a lesser or a greater degree, it goes out from each one of us, and has its effect on all with whom we come in contact. It is like a subtle breath that braces the spirit to good, or relaxes it to evil, but never leaves it untouched or unmoved... and earnest effort is the simple secret of healthy influence."
"He was infinite in mercy, and strong to save. He had promised that He would never fail those who put their trust in Him. At His feet, and at His feet alone, Monica poured out her tears and her sorrow. With others she was serene and hopeful as of old, even joyous, always ready to help and comfort."
"Monica drew fresh hope from her son's writings. They were full of noble thoughts and high aspirations. Such a mind could not remain in error. Some day, surely, in God's good time, he would come to know the truth."
"How are you getting on?" she asked, for she knew what they were discussing. Augustine invited her to join them, but Monica smiled. "I have never heard of a woman amongst the philosophers," she said. "That is a mistake," replied Augustine. "There were women philosophers amongst the ancients, and you know, my dear mother, that I like your philosophy very much. Philosophy means nothing else but love of wisdom. Now you love wisdom more even than you love me, and I know how much that is. Why, you are so far advanced in wisdom that you fear no ill-fortune, not even death itself. Everybody says that this is the very height of philosophy. I will therefore sit at your feet as your disciple."
"Can a man be happy," he said, "if he has not what he wants, and is he happy if he has it?" Monica was the first to answer this question. "If he wants what is good and has it," she replied, "he is happy. But if he wants what is bad, he is not happy even if he has it."
March 9, 2025
While The Life of Saint Monica is well-written and maintains a steady pace, it falls short in delivering a deep exploration of Saint Monica herself. The book devotes much of its focus to the early life of her son, Saint Augustine, rather than truly centering on her personal journey, struggles, and spiritual legacy.
Monica’s unwavering faith, perseverance in prayer, and role in Augustine’s conversion are undoubtedly significant, but the book often feels more like a prelude to Confessions rather than a standalone biography of Monica. Readers hoping for an in-depth look at her life may find themselves disappointed by the overshadowing focus on Augustine. Nonetheless, the writing is engaging, and those interested in the broader context of Augustine’s transformation might still appreciate the read.
Monica’s unwavering faith, perseverance in prayer, and role in Augustine’s conversion are undoubtedly significant, but the book often feels more like a prelude to Confessions rather than a standalone biography of Monica. Readers hoping for an in-depth look at her life may find themselves disappointed by the overshadowing focus on Augustine. Nonetheless, the writing is engaging, and those interested in the broader context of Augustine’s transformation might still appreciate the read.
April 3, 2023
This is a short book and I knew of this story of Saint Monica and her son Saint Augustine before reading it. There wasn’t anything new to me in this book like I was hoping, however, I still give it four stars because I know I would have if I hadn’t ever known of these Saints. I was hoping for more insight to Saint Monica’s life, but that wasn’t this book. It was about how she prayed for her husband and son to be converted to the faith and how her strength came from God. Definitely encouraging and again made me think of how much I need to pray for my own children and others!
March 15, 2026
Really enjoyed; would recommend - For anyone who is not a Catholic (like me) I’d recommend at least reading this through the chapter “The Death of a Saint”. That is the core of this book. Then it has wonderful art work of St. Monica and St. Augustine. After that there is extra pieces of information added for confessions and such. I did not end up reading these as I was just wanting to know more of St. Monica and her life and take inspiration for myself being a mother of a 13 yo and 10 yo in this rough world. Continuing to be in faithful prayer for both of them.
August 25, 2025
A lot of reviews of this book stated it was too much about St. Augustine and not enough about St. Monica’s life. I disagree. You must understand who St. Augustine was to know who St. Monica was. Oh, if I only had an ounce of her devotion to prayer and an ounce of her wisdom. In this book there are so many things to learn. I guess if there are 2 things I took away from this book they are, the things of this world will not satisfy you and if you have God as a friend you are truly happy.
July 31, 2026
Mucho que aprender de Santa Mónica:
- Su amor y confianza en Dios.
- Su forma de orar.
- La ternura y el amor con el que trató a su esposo.
- Su suegra fue muy complicada pero ella se mantuvo amable y bondadosa.
- Logró la conversación de su marido, su suegra y principalmente la de su hijo Agustín.
Seguro hay lecturas más extensas y profundas de la vida de Santa Mónica y claro, de San Agustín. Sin duda buscaré y leeré más sobre estos increíbles santos.
- Su amor y confianza en Dios.
- Su forma de orar.
- La ternura y el amor con el que trató a su esposo.
- Su suegra fue muy complicada pero ella se mantuvo amable y bondadosa.
- Logró la conversación de su marido, su suegra y principalmente la de su hijo Agustín.
Seguro hay lecturas más extensas y profundas de la vida de Santa Mónica y claro, de San Agustín. Sin duda buscaré y leeré más sobre estos increíbles santos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2018
A classical book, with a nice little modern addendum with additional prayers and information about the Confraternity of Christian Mothers.
A story, told in a lovely, straightforward, and not saccharine way, of St. Monica and her life of prayer and example for her husband and children, helping to convert them to the Faith.
A story, told in a lovely, straightforward, and not saccharine way, of St. Monica and her life of prayer and example for her husband and children, helping to convert them to the Faith.
October 4, 2024
Dios nunca se aleja nosotros nos alejamos !
Así cómo Dios no se aleja , las oraciones de una Madre por sus hijos , todo el tiempo son escuchadas por Nuestro Señor Jesucristo . Sigo orando por mi familia porque se que esas semillas de Fe están en proceso y van a dar frutos. Que ejemplo de Fe de santa Monica !
Así cómo Dios no se aleja , las oraciones de una Madre por sus hijos , todo el tiempo son escuchadas por Nuestro Señor Jesucristo . Sigo orando por mi familia porque se que esas semillas de Fe están en proceso y van a dar frutos. Que ejemplo de Fe de santa Monica !
March 17, 2019
Wonderfully written!
The story portrayed a true saint and faithful child of God, how we should act as Christians. We must have faith and pay as such. We must accept our suffering with outward joy to bring people to Christ. Thank you! God bless and inspire all who read this book
The story portrayed a true saint and faithful child of God, how we should act as Christians. We must have faith and pay as such. We must accept our suffering with outward joy to bring people to Christ. Thank you! God bless and inspire all who read this book
August 31, 2019
Wonderful, quick read. I also would have liked to know more about personal things she struggled with besides her husband and son's conversion. But if she wasn't a complainer, it's possible there are no records of it. :)
September 7, 2021
A quick read. As the author states near the beginning, the stories of Monica and Augustine will forever be intertwined. This book is no expecting and tells much of her story through the lense of Augustine's troubles and conversion.
May 9, 2026
A good and informative book about a famous mother, Monica, mother of Saint Augustine. She played a crucial role in her son's life and in him becoming the great man he truly was later in his life. The book is well read. I recomend it.
February 3, 2019
Easy to read book
I liked how well written this book was. Easy to read and yet very interesting to hear of the wonderful life of St. Monica!
I liked how well written this book was. Easy to read and yet very interesting to hear of the wonderful life of St. Monica!
September 12, 2020
Such a great little book. Saint Monica is a wonderful and inspiring role model. I enjoyed this very much.
Read
January 22, 2021An easy to read, entry level story of the life of St. Monica. I would like to learn more about her and go deeper; this was a good start not knowing anything about her.
February 25, 2021
Hermoso
Hermoso y conmovedor libro sobre la vida de Santa Mónica y San Agustín. Una madre, esposa y mujer ejemplar que con sus oraciones logró convertir a su hijo en Santo.
Hermoso y conmovedor libro sobre la vida de Santa Mónica y San Agustín. Una madre, esposa y mujer ejemplar que con sus oraciones logró convertir a su hijo en Santo.
March 21, 2022
I listened to this. The first 5 chapters were really interesting. After that it lost my interest since it was more about Augustine than Monica.
February 9, 2025
Very enriching, the love a mother for her son. Mother of St. Agustin, Santa Monica prayed insensately for her son's soul to be saved, and what a transformation.
September 25, 2025
Un libro corto y fácil de leer que nos acerca a la figura de Santa Mónica, la madre de San Agustín. Lectura imprescindible sobre una santa imperdible para todas las esposas y madres católicas.
November 20, 2025
bored me out but it's nicely written
January 2, 2026
Starting the year strong with this most inspiring woman’s life and faith.
February 21, 2026
Great, short read about St Monica! She is my Saint of the year this year and I'm wanting to learn more about her, this book did exactly that! It was short and sweet, a great beginner book about her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews