Life and Teachings of Saint Augustine
Life of Saint Augustine
Early Life and Conversion
Augustine was born in Tagaste on November 13, 354. He attended school until he was sent to Madaura and then to Carthage for further studies. At 19, he began writing poetry, and at 26, he published a book. In 383, he traveled to Rome and opened a school, but later moved to Milan with his mother, seeking a Christian community. He was baptized in 387 and returned to Tagaste, where he divided his inheritance and founded a monastery. Three years later, he went to Hippo Regius, where he was consecrated as auxiliary bishop and, a year later, as bishop of the city. He served for 42 years, constantly writing, reading, and traveling, until his death on August 28, 430.
Contemplating Life
Augustine initially placed all his trust in reason, but found that reason alone could not provide meaning to his life. After a long journey of self-discovery, he experienced a profound conversion and turned inward to seek truth, detaching himself from material interests.
Sharing Faith
Augustine’s ideal of religious life was based on the first Christian community, where everything was shared. He emphasized community living and established guidelines that continue to be followed in some communities today.
Pastoral Action
Augustine identified three types of life: the active, the contemplative, and a mixture of both. He favored the mixed life, recognizing that serving others enriches one’s inner life.
Experience of Communion
Augustine viewed prayer as a dialogue through which believers receive the Holy Spirit’s action and communicate their concerns to God. He believed prayer is an experience of communion.
United as Brothers
Augustine believed the essential task of the Church is to unite people as brothers and sisters and to share resources.
Movement Toward God
Initially focused on reason, Augustine’s encounter with Neoplatonic texts led him to believe that the search for inner truth is a movement toward God.
Believe to Understand
Augustine embraced faith as the surest guide, while also acknowledging that reason can precede faith.
Reason and Faith
Augustine believed that reason and faith are interconnected, with faith being the foundation of reason.
Living Faith
Augustine considered faith a fundamental attitude for Christians, especially in times of atheism and religious indifference. He believed that faith is lived authentically and has no limits.
Teachings of Saint Augustine
God as the Guarantee of Happiness
Augustine taught that God is the only guarantee of happiness, and that the Bible’s message can be summarized as love for God and neighbor.
Importance of Friendship
The support of friends and family was crucial to Augustine. He valued friendship deeply and believed that religious individuals should cultivate friendships.
A Rule of Life
For community living, Augustine established rules emphasizing shared life, love, friendship, inner reflection, equality according to the Gospel, and a rejection of selfish society.
Jesus’ Scale of Values
Augustine highlighted Jesus’ love in forgiving sinners and healing the sick, urging his disciples to love without judgment, forgive always, and live close to God in poverty and equality.
Practiced Equality
From his youth, Augustine rejected class prejudice and valued people for who they were, not their possessions. He welcomed and advised all who sought his guidance.
Shelter for the Needy
Augustine actively supported the poor and weak, advocating against slave traders and child abuse. He helped orphans and the needy.
A Peacemaker
During times of crisis, Augustine promoted peace, urging his followers and enemies to embrace love and compassion.
Jesus’ Compassion
Augustine emphasized Jesus’ care for the poor and his message of equality between men and women.
Against Poverty
Augustine defended the poor and supported hospitals, orphanages, and schools, even challenging fellow Christians on this issue.
Active Commitment
Augustine believed that believers should liberate people from slavery, serve the poor, and work towards a just and equitable society.
Solidarity
support people through difficult though they are not known, is to help without expecting anything in return. agustin dedicated his life to writing 232 books and 93 treated. sermon: prayer evangelical priest that preaches to the faithful.