Every August 28th, the Catholic Church celebrates St. Augustine of Hippo, the bishop of antiquity who guided and laid the foundations of Christian doctrine.
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He was a brilliant speaker, philosopher, and theologian, author of famous texts, including the ‘Confessions’ and ‘The City of God.’
St. Augustine not only left an important mark on Latin religious tradition, but his thought also significantly impacted Western science and knowledge.
In the bishop, anyone who wishes can find a trustworthy and reliable friend. That is why he is called the patron saint of “those who seek God,” as explained by ‘Aci Prensa’, a Catholic News Agency.
Late have I loved You (St. Augustine)
Before making his conversion to Christianity, St. Augustine knew, studied, and adopted various types of doctrines and beliefs throughout his life.
One day, after a child made him read a biblical passage, he decided to change his life according to Christ. The bishop began by leaving behind the pleasures that darkened his soul and started 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,’” they explain in the aforementioned media.
St. Augustine of Hippo.
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The beginnings of St. Augustine as a bishop
After his conversion, Augustine returned to Africa intending to lead a quiet 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 needed a priest and that he already knew about his conversion. For Augustine, the proposal was a call from God, and he accepted.
He was ordained as a priest, and then, five years later, he became a bishop. He ruled the diocese of Hippo for 34 years, employing his intellectual and spiritual gifts.
On August 28, 430, St. Augustine fell ill and passed away. He was buried in Hippo and later moved to Pavia, Italy. For this reason, that day was designated for his saint celebration.
Prayer to St. 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 spiritual life full of meaning. 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 God’s love in all my desires. I ask you, St. Augustine, to help me find God in everything I see. Infuse in my spirit the desire to know and love God with all my heart. Amen
ERIKA LUCIA IBAÑEZ GARCIA
DIGITAL REACH EDITING
EL TIEMPO