General Presentation of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine, born Aurelius Augustinus in 354 in Thagaste (in present-day Algeria), is one of the Fathers of the Latin Church and one of the greatest theologians of Christianity. After a youth marked by an intense intellectual quest and a dissolute life, he converted to Christianity at the age of 32, influenced by the teachings of Saint Ambrose in Milan and the prayers of his mother, Saint Monica. Baptized in 387, he later became a priest and bishop of Hippo (now Annaba, Algeria), where he spent the rest of his life preaching, writing, and fighting against heresies. He is the author of several major theological works, notably The Confessions and The City of God, which deeply influenced Christian thought. Augustine died in 430, shortly before the fall of the city of Hippo to the Vandals.
Correspondence Table of Saint Augustine of Hippo
| Role | Bishop and Doctor of the Church |
| Patronage | Theologians, printers |
| Feast Day | August 28 |
Symbols and Appearances of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine is often depicted wearing bishop’s robes, holding a book (symbolizing his theological writings), a quill (a sign of his prolific literary work), or a flaming heart, symbolizing his ardent love for God and his spiritual quest. In some depictions, he carries a child on his shoulder, evoking his mystical vision of the Trinity, or is accompanied by an open Bible, highlighting his role as Doctor of the Church.
Myths of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine is best known for his dramatic conversion after years of intellectual and moral wandering. A famous legend tells that upon hearing children sing "Tolle, lege" (take and read), he opened the Bible at random and came across a passage from the Epistle to the Romans that convinced him to change his life. His journey from repentant sinner to model bishop has inspired many generations of Christians. His fight against Donatist heresy and his defense of divine grace against Pelagianism marked Church history. Augustine is also known for his philosophical vision of time and free will, which has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and Western thought.
