
PUBLISHERS TO THE HOLY SEE
WESTMONASTERII,
A SERIES OF LIVES OF THE SAINTS FOR YOUNG AND OLD - SAINT MONICA - CHAPTER I - HOW ST. MONICA WAS BROUGHT UP BY CHRISTIAN PARENTS IN THE CITY OF TAGASTE
CHAPTER II - HOW ST. MONICA LIVED IN THE PAGAN HOUSEHOLD OF HER HUSBAND PATRICIUS
CHAPTER III - HOW ST. MONICA BROUGHT UP HER CHILDREN, AND HOW THE LITTLE AUGUSTINE FELL SICK AND DESIRED BAPTISM
CHAPTER IV - HOW ST. MONICA BY HER GENTLENESS AND CHARITY WON PATRICIUS AND HIS MOTHER TO CHRIST
CHAPTER V - HOW AUGUSTINE WENT TO CARTHAGE, AND HOW PATRICIUS DIED A CHRISTIAN DEATH
CHAPTER VI - HOW ST. MONICA LIVED IN THE DAYS OF HER WIDOWHOOD, AND HOW SHE PUT ALL HER TRUST IN GOD
CHAPTER VII - HOW ST. MONICA'S HEART WAS WELL NIGH BROKEN BY THE NEWS THAT HER SON HAD ABJURED THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
CHAPTER VIII - HOW AUGUSTINE PLANNED TO GO TO ROME, AND HOW HE CRUELLY DECEIVED HIS MOTHER
Set in the sun‑baked city of Tagaste in Roman‑ruled North Africa, this intimate portrait follows a young girl’s awakening to the Christian faith amid a world still steeped in pagan traditions. Through the warm dialogue between the girl and her wise grandmother, listeners hear vivid tales of early martyrs, the looming presence of the Roman authorities, and the everyday rhythm of a town striving to be “more Roman than Rome.” The narrative paints a rich picture of family life, local customs, and the quiet yet powerful influence of stories that shape a future saint’s heart.
The early chapters blend historical detail with tender storytelling, showing how Monica’s parents’ devotion and the community’s shared memories of courage plant the seeds of her lifelong prayerfulness. As the young protagonist absorbs legends of steadfast believers like Perpetua, the listener is invited to feel the pulse of a faith emerging from persecution into a brighter, though still fragile, light. This gentle yet compelling opening promises a journey of spiritual growth rooted in the everyday lives of early Christians.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (110K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-04-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1869–1936
A Scottish nun who wrote lively, readable lives of saints, she turned history and devotion into stories that still feel direct and approachable. Her books are especially known for introducing Catholic figures to general readers in a clear, engaging way.
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