Feast Day – August 28
Patron of brewers

Saint Augustine of Hippo was one of the great Doctors of the Church. He was born on November 13, 354, in Tagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria), North Africa. He died on August 28, 430. Saint Augustine was the son of a devout Catholic mother, Monica, and a Pagan father, Patricius. For many years Augustine lived a life full of wickedness and false beliefs. He led a life of immorality and worldly ambitions. Augustine’s mother, Saint Monica, prayed for seventeen years for the conversion of her son. Through those prayers and the preaching of Saint Ambrose, Augustine finally embraced Christianity as the one true religion.

In 387 Augustine was baptized in Tagaste and soon thereafter gathered a community of friends to share a common lifestyle and support along their spiritual journey. Augustine was ordained a Priest in 391 and Bishop of Hippo in 395. His desire to continue a communal life led to the formation of a community of clergy in Hippo. His vision of a religious community life of members who would, "live in harmony, being united in mind and heart on the way God,” was the foundation for today’s religious order of Augustinians. They continue to be guided by the spirit and ideals of St. Augustine.

Saint Augustine was also a prominent Catholic writer, penning 113 books, 207 letters and over 500 sermons. Of those, his the most famous are The Confessions, City of God and The Trinity.

Saint Augustine is among the greatest of saints. His devout spirituality was rooted in love, and he developed a deep concern for the poor and made sure the church welcomed and helped them.

He is patron of brewers because of his conversion from a life of sin and immorality to that of a devout Catholic Christian, Priest, Bishop and Saint. His conversion is an inspiration to those struggling with a vice or bad habit they wish to change.

Notable Quotes by Saint Augustine

"You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

"He who sings, prays twice."

"Love the sinner and hate the sin."

"Love, and do what you will."

Saint Augustine Books at Getfed.com

Peace in Christ,
Melissa Knoblett-Aman