Saint Monica was the mother of sinner-turned-saint Augustine.
When her errant Augustine set sail for Rome, Saint Monica hiked up her tunic and boarded a boat in pursuit, even though ocean travel in those days was not your Royal Caribbean cruise experience.
In her unflagging resolve to follow her son, Saint Monica covered a lot of ground (and sea). It is for this reason that depictions of Saint Monica sometimes portray her with a pilgrim's staff.
Driven by maternal love and concern, Saint Monica took the form of a wayfarer, following Augustine both on land and across the ocean while patiently enduring the trials that were intrinsic to fourth-century travel.
Do you love someone who has left the Church?
You may not be dogging their wandering steps, but your heart probably follows them around every turn.
Ask Saint Monica to help bring your loved one’s journey to a faith-filled close by praying the Litany of the Wayfaring Saint Monica.
Litany of the Wayfaring Saint Monica
Good Saint Monica,
Who girded your strength for pursuit, pray for us.
Who forsook the comforts of home, pray for us.
Who wept at the harbor of Carthage, pray for us.
Who set sail in all haste, pray for us.
Who journeyed companionless, pray for us.
Who bore privation at sea, pray for us.
Who trusted through storm and sickness, pray for us.
Who landed weary in Rome, pray for us.
Who trod footpaths and streets, pray for us.
Who trudged through mud and dust, pray for us.
Who sweltered in the sun, pray for us.
Who stood both wind and rain, pray for us.
Who sheltered where you could, pray for us.
Who sorrowed among strangers, pray for us.
Who met perils unforeseen, pray for us.
Who knelt on distant soil, pray for us.
Who harbored steadfast hope, pray for us.
Who kept a constant faith, pray for us.
Who embraced your son at last, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, Saint Monica
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O God, You raised up Saint Monica as a model of perseverance for all who seek the return of their loved ones to the Faith. Although her son Augustine deceived and deserted her, Saint Monica did not despair. Instead, impelled by maternal love and a desire for Augustine's eternal salvation, she became a wayfarer, enduring all manner of hardship in order to stay close to her son.
Grant us, O Lord, the grace to persevere as Saint Monica did, walking with our prodigals and abiding in the hope that their journey will lead them back to you.
Amen.