ST MONICA
Our College motto is "Pray and
Persevere" which is a special motto as it describes the life and faith of our
patroness, Saint Monica. Monica was born in the year 332 in North Africa. She
had an ordinary youth and was always very ladylike and calm. When she was twenty
years old she married an older man named Patricius, who was a pagan official of
Tagoste in North Africa.
Augustine, Monica's eldest son, became
her sole occupation and there was a strong bond of love between them. Augustine
went to Carthage to complete his studies and it was during this time he became
involved in the Manichean heresy - a religious cult. Monica sets an example for
us. Although she was hurt and in great sorrow she never gave up. Her love and
faith enabled her to persevere until Augustine finally became a Catholic.
Augustine's faith, also strengthened by his mother's faith, continued to grow.
He became a priest, a bishop, a great writer and a very famous saint. Monica's
prayers were rewarded more than she'd ever expected.
At the age of 54 in the year 387, Monica
died peacefully. Her life is a great example for all people who are troubled or
worried. If you pray and persevere things will turn out happily.