Short biography of augustine of hippo
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His writings, especially his "Confessions" and "The City of God," continue to inspire believers. He then established a third community for
clerics in his new episcopal residence. His leadership not only nurtured a community of faithful believers but also established a legacy of pastoral care and spiritual wisdom.
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He was subsequently canonized and was named a Doctor of the Church in 1298.
Who Is St. Augustine?
Aurelius Augustine was born in 354 at Tagaste, Algeria. Shortly thereafter Augustine converted to Christianity and, returning to North Africa, accepted the position of bishop in Hippo in 396, one that he would retain for the remainder of his life.
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Enduring Legacy and Spiritual Impact
- Influential Writings: Augustine's profound works, including "Confessions" and "The City of God," have continued to shape Christian thought and inspire generations of believers.
- Defender of the Faith: His tireless efforts to counter false doctrines and promote true Christian teachings greatly contributed to the theological strength of the Church.
- Model of Holiness: Augustine's transformation from a life of sin to one of sanctity reaffirmed the power of God’s mercy, leading the Church to honor him as a saint.
Words of Wisdom
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Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.
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Confessions, Book I
Reflecting on the deep longing of the soul for the divine fulfillment that only God can provide.
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Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet.
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Attributed to Saint Augustine
A wry prayer from his youth, showing the struggle between spiritual aspiration and human nature in its own time.
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Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.
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Inspired by Augustine’s teaching on faith
An invitation to trust in God's promises and to embrace the unseen with hope and assurance.
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The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
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Attributed to Saint Augustine
A call to explore the wonders of creation, understanding that every journey opens our heart to new divine truths.
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God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.
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Echoing Augustine’s vision of God's infinite love
A reminder that every soul is cherished and known personally by our loving Creator.
Born in 354 CE in the North African city of Tagaste to a Christian mother and pagan father, Augustine began his career as a pagan teacher of rhetoric in, among other places, Carthage.
They shared their insights about Scripture and the Christian vocation and learned from one another.
After three years, Augustine was called to become a priest while on a visit to the city of Hippo, about 50 miles from Tagaste. At this point, Augustine wrote his Rule for the community’s continued direction. He took to his bed and spent his days and nights praying the penitential psalms, which he asked to have written on the wall of his room.
His conversion reminds us that no soul is beyond the reach of God's grace. This was contrary to what Augustine might have chosen for himself, but he still chose to accept what he believed was God’s will
for him.
In Hippo, Augustine established a monastic community that he directed while assisting the bishop, Valerius.
His journey of repentance and struggle against sin led him to an encounter with the divine grace. Shortly after his death in 430 the city was burnt to the ground by its attackers, who, nonetheless, left Augustine’s library unharmed. He also made a commitment to spend the remainder of his life as a “servant of God.”
As a servant of God, Augustine agreed to live his life in celibacy.
Unveil the wisdom and saintly virtues inspiring the Catholic faith.
Chat with Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine of Hippo's Feast Day
August 28
Where Saint Augustine of Hippo Is Buried
Basilica of Saint Augustine, Annaba, Algeria.
Discover The Story
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The Life of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Early Life and Conversion
Saint Augustine of Hippo, born in 354 AD in Roman North Africa, led a life of deep inner searching.
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The Conversion Experience
- In his early life, Augustine was wrenched by inner conflict and spiritual searching. He made this decision in spite of the fact that he had spent several years living with a woman whom he deeply loved and fathered a son, Adeodatus.
After Augustine’s baptism, he, Adeodatus, and his friend Alypius set out for his native town.
Encountering the grace of God, he transformed his heart and mind, a change so profound that he later dedicated his life to preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel.
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The Journey of Conversion
Saint Augustine's personal transformation from a life of indulgence to a life steeped in faith stands as one of his most inspiring achievements.
Following his studies in Tagaste and later in Carthage, Tunisia, Augustine taught rhetoric.