The Life of St. Augustine Activity

Life of St. Augustine

• Full name: Aurelius Augustinus
• Born on November 13, 354 AD in Thagaste, Numidia, North Africa
• Died in 430 AD
• Notable titles: Bishop of Hippo, Doctor of the Church
• Mother: Monica (Christian), Father: Patricius (Pagan), Siblings: Navigius and Perpetua
• Relationship history includes a long-term concubinage and a son named Adeodatus, born in 372 AD

Early Life and Education

• Early education marked by disinterest in studies, preferring play over academics
• Stole fruit from a pear tree, reflecting on the nature of sin
• Studied Rhetoric in Madaura, then returned to Thagaste to teach grammar
• Emphasized the importance of Rhetoric for law and public service careers

Adolescence and Philosophical Development

• Fell into Manichaeism, a sect mixing Christian and dualistic beliefs
• Experienced an "intellectual conversion" after reading Cicero's "Hortensius"
• Felt torn between philosophical pursuits and strong sensual desires

Teaching Career and Move to Milan

• Established a school of Rhetoric in Carthage after his best friend's death
• Moved to Rome in search of new opportunities, deceived mother to avoid following
• Became a professor of Rhetoric in Milan
• Influenced by Bishop Ambrose's sermons, leading to a spiritual awakening

Conversion and Baptism

• Spiritual conversion in 386 AD, encouraged by the phrase "Tolle Lege"
• Baptized on April 24, 387 AD by Bishop Ambrose, alongside Adeodatus and Alypius
• Monica, his mother, died that summer

Bishopric and Later Life

• Became Bishop of Hippo in 396 AD
• Advocated for oppressed groups: donatists, prisoners, and orphans
• Founded a monastery in Tagaste after his own conversion

Works and Contributions

• Authored influential theological texts including:
  • "The Confessions" (397 AD)
  • "On the Trinity" (399 AD)
  • "The City of God" (413 AD)
• Compiled over 100 books, 240 letters, and 500+ sermons
• Recognized for profound influence on Christian theology and philosophy

Canonization and Feast Day

• Became a saint by popular acclaim, recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1298
• Feast day celebrated on August 28
• Patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, and associated with numerous cities

Notable Augustinian Saints

• St. Thomas of Villanova: Advocate for the poor, established educational institutions, served as Archbishop of Valencia. Feast day on October 10.
• St. Ezekiel Moreno: Focused on missionary work in the Philippines and Colombia, died of cancer in 1906. Feast day on August 19.
• St. Fulgentius: Influenced by St. Augustine, involved in the African Church, served under the Vandals. Feast days on January 1 and 3.

Lasting Legacy

• St. Augustine's teachings continue to shape Christian thought, contributing to discussions on morality, theology, and philosophy. His insights remain relevant in modern theological debates.