Hippo, Augustine of, Saint
Hippo, Augustine of, Saint
Confessor , Doctor of the Church , Bishop of Hippo, born Tagaste, Africa , 354 ; died Hippo, 430 . He was the son of Patricius, a pagan , and of Saint Monica , and received a Christian education but, on proceeding to Carthage to study law, he became a slave to immorality and eventually embraced Manichaeism . He went to Italy , 383 , and taught rhetoric at Milan, where he was baptized by Ambrose , 387 . Returning to Tagaste, 388 , he distributed his goods to the poor, and was ordained, 391 . Consecrated assistant Bishop of Hippo, 396 , he introduced religious poverty and community life into his residence, which became a nursery of African monasteries and bishops . For 34 years he wrote and preached against the heresies of the times; becoming renowned as a philosopher, a theologian, and especially as the Doctor of Grace. His writings cover the whole field of theology; his Confessions and the City of God are the best known. His conversion is the classic instance of the efficacy of a mother’s prayer. His description of his last days with Saint Monica , at Ostia, is the most sublime passage in his Confessions. Patron of theologians, brewers, and printers, invoked against sore eyes. Emblems : dove, child , shell, and pen. Relics at Pavia and Hippo. Feast , Roman Calendar, 28 August . See also, patron saints index .