Saint of the Week

 On this day of the year 146 of the martyrs (430 A.D.) St. Augustine, bishop of Hippo (Modern-day Annaba, NE of Algeria), departed. This saint was born in the city of Thagaste (Modern-day Souk Ahras, NE of Algeria) in the year 354 A.D. to a pagan father called Patricius and a devout Christian mother called Monica, who taught him the principles of the Christian faith since his childhood. At first, he studied in his hometown; however, he mingled with some evil youth who led him into sin and depravity. As a result, he neglected his education and lived a life of idleness, transgression, and failure, for evil company corrupts good habits. Later on, he went to Carthage (Tunis) to continue his education, and there he also lived a life of sin and immorality. His mother often advised him and prayed for his sake with tears to abandon his iniquity. However, he increased in wrongdoing and corruption, which made his pious mother in great pain and grief. After he had received a good deal of education in Carthage, he traveled to Rome, then to Milan. 

In Milan the ruler of the city chose him as a teacher of rhetoric. His mother traveled to Milan to follow him. She prayed fervently for his sake with tears, revealing her grief to St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan. He used to comfort her, saying;” Be assured, O my daughter, that the son of these tears would not perish.” With divine providence, Augustine met St. Ambrose, and he was delighted with his spirituality and eloquence. He diligently came to hear his profound spiritual sermons. His conscience started to awaken and admonish him for his sins and iniquities. He began to read the Holy Bible, particularly the book of Isaiah, the Gospels, and the epistles of our teacher St. Paul. He was touched by the works of the Lord Christ, His miracles and His life-giving death for the salvation of mankind. He also came across the book of St. Athanasius the Apostolic, “The Life of the Saint Anba Antonius the Father of all Monks.” He read the book and admired it much. He perceived God's calling for him, so he decided to offer God sincere repentance and live the rest of his life for God. He met St. Ambrose and confessed before him all his sins and previous evil deeds. Then he talked to him about his desire to forsake the affairs of this world to live for God. With the guidance of St. Ambrose, Augustine secluded himself in a quiet place outside Milan to pray, study the Holy Bible in depth, study theological and doctrinal books, and prepare to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism. 

Later on St. Ambrose baptized him in the year 387 A.D. His life completely changed, and all his care was only for God. His mother greatly rejoiced for his repentance and return to God, then departed in peace. Augustine later returned to his hometown, Thagaste, sold all his possessions, and gave them to the poor, as St. Antonius did. Then he went to Hippo, where he lived a life of asceticism and worship. Many disciples gathered around him. He established a monastery for them and became a father and guide in the way of monasticism, worship, and asceticism. The aroma of his holiness and virtues started to spread in all the surrounding regions. When Hippo needed a priest, the bishop of the city ordained him a priest in the year 389 A.D., and he was then consecrated an auxiliary bishop in the year 395 A.D. When the bishop of the city departed, St. Augustine succeeded him in the year 396 A.D., and he was 41 years old. His ministry and pastoral service were characterized by the call for repentance and compassion for the poor and needy. When he was 72 years old, he consecrated an auxiliary bishop to assist him. Shortly after, he was overcome with an illness and then departed in peace. He was 76 years old and served his flock with all sincerity and was an example of true repentance in all generations. Because he was a spiritual philosopher, he left the church a wealth of spiritual heritage of profound writings. 

The blessing of his prayers be with us all, and glory be to our God for ever. Amen