ST AUGUSTINE

St. Augustine of Hippo

Feast Day: 28 August
Patronage: Theologians, printers, brewers, sore eyes, seekers of truth.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Aurelius Augustinus

• Born: 13 November 354 – Tagaste, North Africa (modern Algeria)

• Died: 28 August 430 – Hippo Regius, North Africa

• Parents: Patricius (pagan father) & St. Monica (Christian mother)

• Title: Bishop of Hippo, Doctor of the Church

Life Summary

St. Augustine was one of the greatest Christian theologians and philosophers. Born to a devout mother and pagan father, he was a gifted student who lived a morally loose life in his youth. Initially following the Manichaean religion and later skeptical of Christianity, he eventually converted after being influenced by St. Ambrose and his mother’s prayers.

In 386, while in a garden, he heard the words “Take and read” and opened the Bible to Romans 13:13–14, leading to his conversion. He was baptized in 387, became a priest in 391, and Bishop of Hippo in 395. He spent his life preaching, writing, and defending the faith.

Major Works

1. Confessions – Autobiographical spiritual journey.

2. The City of God – On the relationship between God’s kingdom and earthly kingdoms.

3. On Christian Doctrine – Guide for Scripture interpretation and preaching.

Key Contributions

• Defended the Church against heresies like Manichaeism, Donatism, and Pelagianism.

• Developed teachings on grace, original sin, and the nature of the Church.

• His writings influenced both Catholic and Protestant theology.

Famous Quote

“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”