Augustin is one of the huge figures in the history of the Church. It is difficult to summarize his life. He is known as one of the founders of monasticism in the Western Church. He was a Bishop, theologian, preacher, and writer. His book The Confessions is one of the first autobiographies written. His influence is reflected in him being chosen as one of the first Doctors of the Church in 1298 by Boniface VIII. But rather have one of those lofty titles ascribed to him, Augustin would prefer to be called servant of God.
Born in 354 in North Africa in the present day country of Algeria, shortly after Christianity was recognized as a religion in the Roman Empire, Augustin very famously led a very worldly life prior to being baptized into the Catholic faith by St Ambrose of Milan in 387. After his baptism, Augustin left Milan and returned to his hometown of Tagaste, Algeria with his son and some friends to found a monastery and to begin monastic life. He was ordained a priest in 391 and Bishop of Hippo in Africa in 397, all while remaining a monk. He died in the year 430 as Africa was being invaded by the Vandals. His remains were taken to Italy. The Augustinian order was founded in the 13th century, unifying different communities in Italy that had followed the monastic rule of St Augustin. Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian.
In the Gospel today, we are told to stay awake and be prepared, that we do not know the hour when the Lord will come. I think of the history of the Church, how we are faced with so many changes in the Church and in the world. Then I look back at the Church and the world in the 4th and 5th century of St Augustin, and that world was filled with tumultuous change as well. In an era, it is a challenge to be prepared. We unite our prayers with the prayers of St Augustin today.
No comments:
Post a Comment