Remembering Saint Augustine
On August 28th, the Catholic Church celebrates one of the most prominent theologians and philosophers in the early Christian church - Saint Augustine. — He’s viewed as one of the most important of the Church Fathers and his writings influenced the development of Western philosophy and Western Christianity. His many important writings include The City of God, On Christian Doctrine and Confessions.
Notes
- Born in November of the year 354 in a small town in modern day Algeria, Augustine grew up in a home with a pagan father and a devout Christian Mother, Monica. Augustine's education began in his hometown but later continued in Carthage, which in that day was a culturally sophisticated city. One he was away from his hometown, Augustine began to drift from the Christian teachings of his mother, eventually falling into hedonism.
- While studying rhetoric in Carthage, Augustine became involved with a religious group called the Manichaeans. He was attracted to their dualistic view of the universe. His mother, Monica was not happy that her son had become involved in what was then a rival to the Christian faith — nor was she happy he had a son out of wedlock. Augustine's skill in rhetoric and teaching led him to a prominent position as a professor in Milan. During his time there, he continued to wrestle with spiritual matters, feeling unfulfilled by his success and his pursuits in various philosophical systems. Manichaeism wasn’t soothing his restless soul. The turning point in Augustine's life came through his encounter with the Bishop of Milan, Saint Ambrose.
- Under Ambrose's influence, Augustine began to see Christianity in a new light. The intellectual depth and moral wisdom of the faith deeply impressed him. After a long and intense period of inner struggle, Augustine underwent a profound conversion to Christianity in 386 AD. In a famous episode in his "Confessions," he describes hearing a child's voice say "Take up and read". He picked up a Bible and read a passage from the Letter to the Romans, which struck him to the core. Augustine and his son were baptized by Ambrose at the Easter Vigil in 387.
- Augustine returned to North Africa and in 391 was ordained a priest. His powerful sermons, wisdom, and leadership led to his consecration as a bishop in 395. The following year, he became the Bishop of Hippo and to this day is known as either Saint Augustine or Augustine of Hippo. As a bishop, Augustine became one of the most important figures in Christian theology.
- It’s estimated that Augustine preached more than 6,000 sermons while he was alive. Hundreds of those sermons survive in writing to this day His teachings shaped doctrines on original sin, grace, predestination, and the nature of the church. His confrontation with the Donatist and Pelagian heresies allowed him to articulate the need for God's grace in salvation and the importance of the unity of the church.
- Augustine lived to be 76 years old. He died in August of the year 430, during the siege of Hippo by the Vandals. His writings and teachings left an indelible mark on Western Christian thought. His emphasis on the inner life, grace, and redemption helped to shape medieval and modern Christianity. He was canonized and laterrecognized as a Doctor of the Church. His feast day is celebrated on August 28. The life journey of Saint Augustine shows us the transformative power of faith — as he journeys from being a seeker of worldly pleasures to a passionate Christian theologian A thinker, a preacher, and a writer, Augustine's legacy continues to inspire and challenge, making him one of the pillars of Western thought and Christian faith.