Saint of the Week

Augustine, Bishop and Doctor

Augustine was the eldest son of St. Monica and Patricius, a pagan Roman official. As a young man, he studied at the university at Carthage with the intent of becoming a lawyer, but gave up law to devote himself to literary pursuits.  Along the way, he abandoned his Christian faith. He eventually moved to Milan, where he was impressed by the sermons of St. Ambrose, the bishop of the city. His influence, as well as the prayers of his mother, brought him back to Christianity and he was baptized by Ambrose at the Easter Vigil in 387. Augustine became one of the greatest teachers and theologians of the church, and his works are studied widely yet today.

It took over thirty years for Augustine to recognize what God was calling him to do. When he accepted that call, he became one of the Church’s greatest theologians. We all know people whose talents could be of great service to God if they were to acknowledge and embrace their calling. Are you one of these people?