Saint of the day, August 28
St. Augustine’s long search for truth became a life devoted to knowing Christ and helping generations of Christians know Him more deeply.
Aug. 28: St. Augustine
Born: Nov. 13, 354, Thagaste, North Africa
Died: Aug. 28, 430
Nationality: Roman North African
Vocation / State: Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Attributes: Burning heart and writing
Patronage: Brewers, printers, and theologians
Canonization: Pre-Congregation
St. Augustine spent years searching for something that could satisfy the deepest desires of his heart before discovering that the truth and peace he longed for could only be found in Christ.
As a young man, Augustine pursued worldly pleasures while searching intensely for answers to life’s greatest questions. His restless mind led him through different philosophies and beliefs, but none could satisfy him. Even as he wandered from the faith, God was already at work, slowly drawing Augustine toward the truth he had been seeking.
That search eventually brought him to Milan, where the preaching of St. Ambrose helped Augustine see Christianity with new eyes. Yet accepting its truth was easier than surrendering his life to it. His struggle continued until a decisive moment of grace, when he heard a voice urging him to “take up and read.” Opening Scripture, Augustine encountered St. Paul’s call to leave his former way of life behind and put on Christ.
Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in A.D. 387, beginning a life increasingly given over to the God he had resisted for so long. He became a priest and later bishop of Hippo, placing his intellect and love of truth at the service of the Church. Through works including Confessions and The City of God, his own search for God became a way of helping countless others seek Him too.
St. Augustine’s life is a beautiful witness to the patience and transforming power of God’s grace. The Lord did not abandon him in his wandering, but continued drawing his restless heart home. His example encourages us to keep seeking Christ, surrender what keeps us from Him, and trust that our hearts will find their true rest in God.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
