St. Monica-Pray for our Husbands

[Lamb Serenade]

Hi everyone,

St. Monica is the patron saint of:

abuse victims; alcoholics; alcoholism; difficult marriages; disappointing children; homemakers; housewives; married women; mothers; victims of adultery; victims of unfaithfulness; victims of verbal abuse; widows; wives

I want to start a thread for wives to offer prayer intentions for their husbands by praying a nine day Novena to St. Monica. The list of patronages has more than just issues pertaining to husbands. I feel a specific thread for husbands will be very powerful and bring many of us together to share. I have read many threads and responses of women who deal with difficult issues pertaining to their marriages and specifically their husbands.

Introduce yourself and let us know your intentions in as much or little detail as you are comfortable with. Then stay in touch with the thread to let us know how you are doing with your Novena.

Here is the Novena Prayer:

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Please join me and say this powerful Novena to St. Monica.

[Lamb Serenade]

My husband is a reverted and is actively participating in his Catholic faith. I am praying the St. Monica Novena because St. Monica is the patron of alcoholics, difficult marriages, housewives, married women and mothers.

I didn't actively pray to St. Monica in the years I prayed my husband back into the Catholic church, but I did pray for the Saints in general to intercede so I'm sure she had a big part.

My husband is an alcoholic and his drinking has caused a great deal of difficulty in the last eight months when his drinking escalated. I'm also a stay at home mom of a 5 yo DD.

DH is currently sober and has been for the past sixteen days. He has made a commitment to staying sober for 30 days. He seems vastly different this time and he is also implementing spiritual things into his life during this 30 day period. We are praying together every night, which is something we have never done in our 27 year marriage.

Adding a Novena, myself for the intention of his perpetual sobriety is exactly what I need to do right now!



Day One - DONE

[CCF_Patty]

How interesting that you posted this novena to St. Monica! I recently started praying to her for my husband's conversion.

He goes to Mass with us every Sunday (has been for years), but that's all. He has no intention of converting, he just goes so that we can be united as a family, which I respect greatly. But he is not interested in the faith, which makes me feel lonely at times because my faith is a central part of my life and I can't share it with him in a meaningful way. He's just not interested.

So, I pray always to Jesus, once a week I light a candle to Mary, and I occasionally pray to St. Monica, all asking for the conversion of my husband.

Thank you for posting this novena.

[Lamb Serenade]

Novena prayer to St. Monica done for day two of my Novena for my husbands perpetual sobriety.

Give me the strength and persistence of will to not give up and to believe!

Day 2 - DONE

[Lamb Serenade]

Dear Lord, give me the patience and perseverance to overcome the anger I confronted this morning. Help me to move past my feelings and accept Your will and have a good day.

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 3 - DONE

[adorer]

Dear Lamb Serenade,

Thank you for starting this thread. I pray to St. Monica and St. Augustine daily for the conversion of my husband who is agnostic. As you mentioned, there are many other intentions affiliated with St. Monica, abuse victims, alcoholics, raising "difficult" children, etc. So this novena is good for many causes.

I've never seen this novena, but it is a wonderful idea.

Thanks again for posting it.

Your grateful sister in Christ,
adorer

[adorer]

How interesting that you posted this novena to St. Monica! I recently started praying to her for my husband's conversion.

He goes to Mass with us every Sunday (has been for years), but that's all. He has no intention of converting, he just goes so that we can be united as a family, which I respect greatly. But he is not interested in the faith, which makes me feel lonely at times because my faith is a central part of my life and I can't share it with him in a meaningful way. He's just not interested.

So, I pray always to Jesus, once a week I light a candle to Mary, and I occasionally pray to St. Monica, all asking for the conversion of my husband.

Thank you for posting this novena.

Dear CCF Patty,

It's nice to know that there is a moderator on this forum who can relate to praying for her husband's conversion. Mine is agnostic and he doesn't attend Mass, but thanks to the Divine Mercy message, I know Christ will draw him to Himself even if it is at the hour of death.

Still, there are times when I long for us to be united in faith. We're studying Familiaris Consortio in our Women's Bible study and half of the suggestions in the study guide only apply if your husband is Catholic as well. I feel so lacking in such groups. When I hear how active in the faith other families are both inside and outside of their homes, I realize what we are missing.

Nonetheless, I count my blessings. I am fortunate that my spouse is both a good husband and father. My efforts to pray and persevere will pay off eventually by the grace of God. Meanwhile, it is a lesson in patience and trust in God.

Your sister in Christ,
adorer

[CCF_Philip]

I'd like to offer thanks for all of you who are praying for husbands. Even those of use who "are not Augustine," so to speak, can benefit greatly from the prayers of wives and from the intercession of St. Monica!

May St. Monica's intercession open the hearts of all husbands and sons, especially all of yours, to God's love.

[CCF_Carol]

Thank you, Patty, for this beautiful novena prayer! St. Monica is so powerful in faith, and such a great example of the graces of perseverance in prayer!

For those who are in difficult marriages -- or know of someone who is -- please do also read this thread. I have brought many petitions to the Ephesians 5 (E5) men, who pray and fast for the healing of women and for the men who have caused them pain.

[CCF_Patty]

Actually it was Lamb Serenade who posted the prayer. I, too, think it's a beautiful prayer.

[Lamb Serenade]

Thank you everyone for your support!

Again, I invite any and all wives to join me and offer a novena to St. Monica for your husbands. All husbands can benefit from prayer to St. Monica as CCF_Philip said. St. Monica is patron to homemakers; housewives; married women; mothers; as well as the patron for difficult marriages. Read the OP in this thread for a list of her patronage.

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 4 - DONE

[Lamb Serenade]

I missed yesterday because we were traveling all day to go to my son's wedding. Didn't have internet on the road or at my in laws, but we are at our destination and have a connection where we are.


PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 5 - DONE

[Lamb Serenade]

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 6-DONE

[Lamb Serenade]

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 7 - DONE

[Lamb Serenade]

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 8-DONE

[adorer]

Dear Debbie,

Thanks for keeping this going. I appreciate your efforts and join you in prayer.

Your sister in Christ,
adorer

[Lamb Serenade]

Well, today is the ninth and final day of my Novena. I believe it is traditional to follow a Novena with nine additional days of the Novena in thanksgiving.

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Day 9-DONE

[Lamb Serenade]

Thank you Lord for answered prayers. As time progresses I will know the extent of your answers to my prayers for my DH's perpetual sobriety. His 30 day commitment is nearing and end, so time will tell.

FIRST DAY OF THANKSGIVING NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

[kathie747]

Debbie,
I have only just seen your Novena and will begin it today.
I have a husband who very much needs to meet/find/Love our Lord again, and unfortunately, some of his errors are due to my own failures some years ago (setting him up on a wrong path). He is a twice a year Catholic and so lost, and he truly deserves someone stronger than i to help lead him back, and I'm afraid he does not trust even me anymore...and so I need help in leading him home, but... but sometimes it is more than I can bear .
kathie

[Lamb Serenade]

Debbie,
I have only just seen your Novena and will begin it today.
I have a husband who very much needs to meet/find/Love our Lord again, and unfortunately, some of his errors are due to my own failures some years ago (setting him up on a wrong path). He is a twice a year Catholic and so lost, and he truly deserves someone stronger than i to help lead him back, and I'm afraid he does not trust even me anymore...and so I need help in leading him home, but... but sometimes it is more than I can bear .
kathie

Kathie,

Something you might consider is leaving some Catholic literature lying around. This is something I did when my husband was on his journey back to the Catholic Church. There are some really good apologetics pamphlets, booklets and books out there. I'd start small with some pamphlets & booklets. Then buy "yourself" some books (and read them!...LOL) and leave them on an end table, the kitchen counter, etc., and then talk about them in passing conversation. You know, something like "I really learning some fascinating stuff in this book I'm reading. It says.....".

Might I suggest you read (if you haven't already) "Catholicism and Fundamentalism" by Karl Keating and any of the "Saved by Truth" books compiled by Patrick Madrid. They are all really easy to read and will help you learn things about your faith you weren't aware of. The best tool in your arsenal is a good knowledge of your faith and the ability to present it and answer questions in an intelligent way. Don't get defensive. If he asks questions in a confrontational way, just tell him you'll find his answer and get back to him. This is good even if you already know the answer. It will give him time to cool off so you can present your answer in a calm atmosphere.

I'm not sure what your exact situation is, and I may be off base here, I don't know, but continuing to pray for him throughout everything is by far the best thing you can do.

I'll pray for your intention as well.

[Lamb Serenade]

DAY TWO THANKSGIVING NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA
Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your intention here.)
and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

[Lamb Serenade]

Well, today is day 30 of my husbands 30 day commitment to not drink. Praying extra hard today for him to make another 30 day commitment and continue along the path he has chosen. His sobriety for the last 30 days has been a blessing and an answer to many prayers.

DAY THREE THANKSGIVING NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA
Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your intention here.)
and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

[Lamb Serenade]

Today is being especially trying. As I said yesterday, today is the first day after his 30 day commitment to not drinking, and he told me this afternoon he is "thinking about having some drinks". I said "Please don't do that. I don't want alcohol in our lives anymore. I don't have any memories of drinking bringing anything good into our lives. I then told him if he is going to drink, to not come home. Told him this is my decision for me, to protect me and our DD. If he's going to drink, he has to leave. There was much martryring and shifting blame, but I stood my ground. Now we will see.

DAY FOUR THANKSGIVING NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA
Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for
(Mention your intention here.)
and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

[Lamb Serenade]

I pray this with a heavy heart today. DH decided to drink. Left the house under the pretense of getting a movie to rent and bought booze. He went to our bedroom to watch his movie, and DD and I were watching TV in the family room. Went into the room and could smell the booze, and he lied to me when I asked him if he was drinking. I told him I could smell it and asked him again if he bought booze while he was out and he said maybe. So I asked again and he finally said yes. As I type this it brings to mind Peters denial of Christ on the day of the crucifixion. I told DH he has a choice, booze or his family. If he is going to drink he has to leave. No maybe, no gray area, no more talking about it. I'm done.

Maybe I have my answer to my prayers, but my heart is broken.

DAY FIVE THANKSGIVING NOVENA

PRAYER TO ST. MONICA
Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

[Michael Mary 2000]

Debbie,

I will pray a Rosary for your husband, and you and the family this evening before Mass.

And will hold you all in my Mass intentions this evening, as well.

Your Brother in Christ,
M-M