MARIA STEIN, Ohio (July 19, 2023) – On Sunday, August 27th, the Maria Stein Shrine will host a St. Monica Prayer Service for those who have strayed from the faith, just as she prayed for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine. The prayer service will include scripture reading, reflection on the life of, and prayer with the relic of St. Monica. The staff will also pray a St. Monica Novena starting on August 18th, leading up to her Feast Day and Prayer Service on August 27th. The Novena prayers will be posted daily on the Shrine’s Facebook page for all to follow along.

St. Monica was born in a Christian family in North Africa between 330-332 AD. She was part of the Berber tribe, who are indigenous to the region. She had an arranged marriage with a Roman non-Christian named Patricius. Living with Patricius and her mother in law, she had to deal with their nasty tempers, constant criticisms, Patricius’s alcoholism and his unfaithfulness.

The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics provides faith nourishment and spiritual renewal through opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage and inspiration from the lives of the saints. People from around the world visit the shrine to explore and enjoy this environment rich in holiness and history. The Shrine is located at 2291 St. John’s Rd. in Maria Stein. For more event information, visitwww.mariasteinshrine.org