St. Augustine
St. Augustine was born on November 13, 354 AD in Tagaste, Africa. During his youth, Augustine struggled
to reconcile the teachings of pagan philosophy and worldly pleasures with those of the Church. When he
got older, he left for Italy.
During this entire time, his mother St. Monica prayed continuously for his conversion to Christianity. While
in Italy, her prayers were finally answered. Through reading the Holy Scriptures, the light of truth entered
his mind. Soon he became certain that Jesus Christ was the only way to truth and salvation. St. Ambrose
baptized him in 387 AD.
Soon after, St. Augustine was ordained a priest and because of his piety and example, was consecrated
Bishop of Hippo. From then until his death on August 28, 430 AD, he defended the true faith against all
who opposed it. In his great humility, he wrote his “Confessions”, detailing the errors of his youth and his
conversion to Christianity.
St. Augustine serves as an example of the positive differences that each of us can make if we choose to
follow God’s will.
