Born in Tagaste (modern-day Algeria) on 13 November 354, Saint Augustine is a towering figure in Christian history. His journey from a rebellious youth to one of the most influential theologians is an inspiring story of redemption and discovery.

Augustine’s father, Patricius, was a pagan official in Tagaste but converted to Christianity on his deathbed. His mother, Saint Monica, was a devout Christian. She had young Augustine marked with the cross and enrolled him as a catechumen but was unable to ensure his baptism. Augustine once fell critically ill and agreed to baptism. However, upon recovery, he renounced Christianity.

Monica ensured Augustine received a comprehensive religious education. He studied in Tagaste and Madaura till he was sixteen. Then, he moved to Carthage in 370. The city’s hedonistic pleasures soon entranced Augustine, leading him into a life of excess. He lived in a sinful relationship, resulting in the birth of his son, Adeodatus, in 372.

At 373, Augustine embraced Manichaeism, a religion promising a free philosophical exploration. Yet, after nine years and a disappointing encounter with a leading Manichean figure, Faustus of Mileve, he left the faith.

Augustine traveled to Italy in 383, delving into Neo-Platonic philosophy. In Milan, he met Ambrose and became his student. A transformative experience under a fig tree in 386 led him to Christianity. Ambrose baptized him in 387, bringing immense joy to Monica. However, Augustine faced profound grief shortly after when Monica passed away.

Augustine returned to Tagaste and led a quasi-monastic life, focusing on prayer and religious studies. In 391, he was ordained a priest. He became coadjutor-bishop of Hippo at 42. From 396 until his death in 430, Augustine led the diocese amidst the Roman Empire’s decline. He died on 28 August 430, as Vandals approached Hippo. Today, he’s commemorated on the same date.

Saint Augustine’s writings on Christian Revelation rank among the most influential Christian texts. His works, especially “Confessions,” “The Trinity,” and “The City of God,” present pioneering thoughts on Christianity’s opposition to worldly values. He also extensively wrote about his debates with the Manicheans, Pelagians, and Donatists, influencing Christian thoughts on Creation, Grace, the Sacraments, and the Church.

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16 COMMENTS

  1. Their patron saint, St. Augustine help me to overcome my spiritual weakness and give me the grace to serve God and humanity with all my strength, soul and heart. Continue to pray for me and young people.
    St. Augustine,pray for us

  2. He is the patron saint of our town Panglao, in the Province of Bohol, Philippines. We Arraignment proud to have him as our patron saint.

  3. St. Augustine pray for us and specially for Ian. Please pray for Rita and Brinelle and family to come back to the Catholic faith – Amen

  4. Benedictus Iesus Christus, verus Deus et verus homo.
    Benedictum Cor eius sacratissimum.
    Benedictus Sanguis eius pretiosissimus.
    Benedictus Deus in Angelis suis, et in Sanctis suis.
    Saint Augustine, ora pro nobis. For my; son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, all your namesakes. Bless them and keep them close to Christ Crucified. Cor Jesu sacratissium, miserére nobis. Amen.

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