MONICA was born in Roman Africa. Her parents married her to an older pagan man of kindness but also a man given to violent tempers and adultery. Knowledge of Monica comes almost entirely from the writings of her much loved son, the great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine. She had a remarkable transformation that led a life of irreproachable virtue. She is the patron saint of those who have difficult marriages, disappointing children, victims of adultery or unfaithfulness and victims of(verbal) abuse. Her feast day is May 4.