Augustinus
ST., a renowned father of the Christian Church, was born at Tagaste, in Africa, in 354, his mother, Monica, being a Christian, his father, Tagaste, in Africa, in 354, his mother, Patricius, a pagan. His parents sent him to Carthage to complete his education, but he disappointed their expectations by leading a life of pleasure. book of Cicero's led him to study tions by leading a life of pleasure. A philosophy; but dissatisfied with this, he joined the Manichæans. them after nine years and went to Rome and then to Milan.
He left Here St.
Ambrose, bishop of the city, and the reading of St. Paul converted him to the Christian faith. After preparation for baptism he received it from Amfor baptism he received it from Am- the Christian faith. After preparation returned to Africa, sold his property, giving the proceeds to the poor, and became assistant to the bishop of Hippo, succeeding to the see in 395. Of his various works his "Confessions" is most secure of immortality. He died various works his "Confessions" is succeeding to the see in 395. Of his by the Vandals. He was a man of great enthusiasm, self-devotion, zeal for truth, and powerful intellect, and, though AUGUSTUS there have been fathers of the Church powerful influence. His writings are partly autobiographical, partly polemical, more learned, none have wielded a more homiletic, or exegetical. The greatest is the "City of God" ("De Civitate Dei"), a vindication of Christianity. close of the 6th century, was sent with 40 monks by Pope Gregory I. to introduce