On the evening of August 27, Pope Francis made a heartfelt visit to the Church of St. Augustine in Rome, where the tomb of St. Monica is located. The Holy Father’s pilgrimage to the chapel housing the saint’s remains was a poignant moment, as he prayed for the intercession of the patron saint of wives, mothers, and conversion.
St. Monica’s remarkable story, marked by her unwavering faith and unrelenting prayers for her son Augustine’s conversion, has inspired countless generations. Pope Francis’s visit was a testament to the enduring power of her example.
During his visit, the Pontiff also paused to venerate the image of Our Lady of Pilgrims, seeking the blessings of the Blessed Mother. As he departed the church, he warmly greeted the friars, nuns, and pilgrims gathered outside, offering a message of hope and encouragement.
This marks the second time Pope Francis has made a surprise visit to St. Monica’s tomb, following his first visit in 2020. In 2017, he reflected on the saint’s legacy, writing, “How many mothers shed tears, like Saint Monica, so that their children return to Christ! Do not lose hope in the Grace of God!”
Pope Francis’s visit serves as a reminder of the transformative power of prayer and the unwavering dedication of mothers like St. Monica, who shape the lives of their children and communities through their faith and love.