Every August 28, the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Augustine of Hippo, the ancient bishop who guided and laid the foundations of Christian doctrine.
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He was a brilliant orator, philosopher and theologian, author of famous texts, among which are the ‘Confessions’ and ‘The City of God’.
Saint Augustine not only left an important mark on the Latin religious tradition, but his thought also had a decisive impact on Western science and knowledge.
In the bishop, anyone who wishes to find a reliable and trustworthy friend. That is why he is called the patron saint of “those who seek God,” explains ‘Aci Prensa’, a Catholic news agency.
Late have I loved you (Saint Augustine)
Before converting to Christianity, Saint Augustine knew, studied and adopted various types of doctrines and beliefs in his life.
One day, after a child made him read a Bible passage, he decided to change his life according to Christ. The bishop began by leaving behind the pleasures that darkened his soul and began to live chastely.
When he made that decision, Augustine was no longer young. “Hence his famous lament: ‘Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new. Late have I loved you,’” the aforementioned media explains.
Saint Augustine of Hippo.
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The beginnings of Saint Augustine as a bishop
After his conversion, Augustine returned to Africa with the intention of living a peaceful life with the help of meditation and prayer. However, one day while attending the Eucharist in Hippo, his plans changed.
Bishop Valerius approached him and told him that he was in need of a priest, and that he already knew that he had made his conversion. For Augustine the proposal was a call from God and he accepted.
He trained as a priest and then, five years later, became a bishop. He was the ruler of the diocese of Hippo for 34 years, using his intellectual and spiritual gifts.
On August 28, 430, Saint Augustine fell ill and died. He was buried in Hippo and later transferred to Pavia, Italy. For this reason, that day was designated as his holy celebration.
Prayer to Saint Augustine
Oh glorious St. Augustine, you were a sensual man often tormented by natural appetites and desires. But you knew how to find your way to God through the strong desire to live a rich and meaningful spiritual life. Help me to see things as you taught, that God is present in all those who seek Him with good will and in all who love Him as He loves us. Help me to see through my desires for God and help me to see the love of God in all my desires. I ask you, St. Augustine, to help me find God in all I see. Infuse my spirit with the desire to know and love God with all my heart. Amen.
ERIKA LUCIA IBAÑEZ GARCIA
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