A Prayer for Family Members Who Have Fallen Away from the Church
St. Monica is the patroness of wives, mothers, and conversions. She prayed for 17 years for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, as well as the conversion of her husband and mother-in-law. We can turn to her when we experience our own struggles in the family, especially when praying for those who have fallen away from their faith. Save this prayer to St. Monica for the conversion of family members who have left the Church or are struggling in their journey to God.
Blessed Monica, mother of St. Augustine,
We give thanks to our Father in Heaven
Who looked with mercy upon your tears
Over your wayward son.
His conversion and heroic sanctification
Were the fruit of your prayers.
Dear St. Monica,
We now ask you to pray with us
For all those sons and daughters that have wandered away from God,
And to add your prayers to those of all mothers
Who are worried over their children.
Pray also for us that,
Following your example, we may,
In the company of our children,
One day enjoy the eternal vision of our Father in Heaven.
Amen.
(from the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis)