28/08/2026
Friday August 28, 2026
ST AUGUSTINE, B.D. (MEMORIAL)
Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine of Hippo was one of the greatest theologians and bishops of the early Church. He was born in Tagaste, North Africa, in 354, and became Bishop of Hippo in 395. He died on 28 August 430, during the siege of Hippo.
His conversion
Augustine was raised by his Christian mother, Saint Monica, but for many years he searched for happiness in ambition, intellectual success, and worldly pleasures. He also became associated with Manichaeism, a religious movement that offered an inadequate explanation of evil.
In Milan, the preaching of Saint Ambrose, together with prayer, study, and God’s grace, led Augustine back to the Catholic faith. He was baptized by Saint Ambrose during the Easter Vigil in 387, together with his son, Adeodatus. His conversion was not merely one moment but a lifelong journey of returning to God.
His ministry and writings
After becoming a priest and then bishop, Augustine devoted himself to preaching, defending the faith, guiding his people, and writing. His most famous works include:
Confessions — his spiritual autobiography and praise of God’s mercy
The City of God — a reflection on history, society, sin, and the destiny of humanity
On the Trinity — a profound explanation of the mystery of God
On Christian Doctrine — guidance for understanding and teaching Scripture
His writings had an enormous influence on Christian theology and Western culture. Pope Benedict XVI described him as the greatest Father of the Latin Church and emphasized that his life was marked by an unending thirst for truth.
His central message
Augustine teaches that the human heart remains restless until it finds its true rest in God. His life shows that no past sin is stronger than divine grace and that conversion can continue throughout one’s entire life.
He also insisted that Christ—not power, wealth, or human achievement—is the source of true justice, peace, and eternal life.
Saint Augustine is honored as a Bishop, Doctor of the Church, philosopher, theologian, and defender of Catholic truth. His memorial is celebrated on 28 August.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”— Saint Augustine, Confessions I,
His life reminds every Christian that the search for truth ultimately leads to Jesus Christ, who alone satisfies the deepest desires of the human heart.
