Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and Doctor of the Church
(I Thessalonians 3:7-13; Matthew 24:42-51)
This year St. Augustine received attention because the newly
elected Pope Leo XIV is a friar of the order which bears the saint’s name. Leo gives his order’s patron added
recognition by frequently quoting the fifth century bishop and doctor of the
Church.
However, Augustine’s name has been prominent among Catholics
since his death. He not only was
brilliant but also eloquent. He not only
preached and taught the faith but lived it meticulously after his
conversion. No churchman could have a
greater model than this bishop of Hippo. Likewise, no scholar could have a
greater interlocutor, apart from Thomas Aquinas, than Augustine.
Augustine’s best-seller autobiography, The Confessions,
portrays a man of great emotion, sensitivity, and depth. We would readily seek out his friendship and
guidance. We might resist some of what
he advises us to do, but we would ponder every word he says.
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