LAKE JAMES

NORTH CAROLINA

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Saint Augustine of Hippo, Bishop

One of the greatest theologians ever produced by the Church, Saint Augustine was born in 354 in North Africa.  Blessed with an inquiring mind, he was briefly attracted by various philosophies, while also struggling with his personal morals.  Among the many quotations for which he is justly famous is one uttered during his wrestling with the possibility of conversion to Christianity, namely, "O God, give me chastity, but not yet."  At the age of 32, he embraced the Christian faith and was baptized by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan at the Great Easter Vigil in 387.  One of the strongest influences in his life was his mother, Saint Monnica, who had been praying for his conversion for many years.  In the year 391, the people of Hippo chose him to be their priest and four years later, to be their bishop.

St. Augustine's autobiography, now known as The Confessions of St. Augustine, is one of the classics of the Western Church and reflects the struggles of a great saint in matters of faith and way of life.  He wrote many treatises, letters, and sermons but perhaps his greatest work was The City of God in which he contrasts the earthly love of self with the love of God.  His teaching that the Church is holy made it clear that the holiness was not because Christians themselves were leading holy lives, but because the Church is indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  St. Augustine died on August 28, 430.

The Collect for the Feast of St. Augustine

Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you:  Help us, following the example of your servant Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, and whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

This page last modified on Friday, April 11, 2008 09:39 PM