Saint Monica
According to an old tradition, Saint Monica, in a vision received a black leather belt from the Blessed Virgin, who assured the holy widow that she would take under her special protection all those who wore it in her honour. Saint Monica related this vision to Saint Ambrose and Saint Simplician; both saints thereupon put on a leather belt, and Ambrose is said to have girded her son, Saint Augustine, with it at his baptism. Later on, it was adopted by the Hermits of St. Augustine as a distinctive part of their habit.