Biography
Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis was born in Thagaste, North Africa, to Patricius, a pagan, and Monica, a devout Christian. He lived a life of intellectual searching and moral restlessness, taking a concubine with whom he had a son, Adeodatus. He followed Manichaeism for nine years before Neoplatonism and, ultimately, the preaching of St. Ambrose in Milan led him to Christianity. His conversion in a garden in Milan — 'Take up and read' (Tolle, lege) — after reading Romans 13:13-14 is one of the most celebrated in Christian history. Baptized by Ambrose in 387, he returned to Africa, was ordained a priest, and became Bishop of Hippo in 395. His Confessions, the first spiritual autobiography, and City of God, written after the sack of Rome, are among the most influential works in Western literature. His theological insights on original sin, free will, grace, and predestination shaped Western Christianity profoundly.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦His mother Monica's prayers for his conversion over 17 years, described as miraculous by Ambrose
- ✦Healing of a blind man, Innocentius, in Carthage
- ✦Multiple healings of the sick reported in Hippo near the relics of St. Stephen
Wisdom & Quotes
“Our heart is restless, until it repose in Thee.”
“Thou madest us for Thyself, and our heart is restless, until it repose in Thee.”
“Love, and do what you will.”
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him, the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”
“Our soul is restless until it rests in you, O Lord.”