Saint Augustine

Augustine, Saint (A.D. 354–430), bishop of Hippo, church father. Though raised as a Christian by his mother, St. Monica, in northern Africa, he embraced Manichaeism while in school at Carthage. Moving to Rome (383), he was influenced by Neoplatonism, but it was in Milan, where he met St. Ambrose, bishop of the city, that he was baptized a Christian (387) and took the vows of priesthood (391). In 396 he became bishop of Hippo (northern Africa). Generally acknowledged by Christians as the father of theology, he wrote many books, including the autobiographical Confessions and De Civitate Dei (The City of God), containing the great defense against paganism and the Christian philosophy of history. His feast day is Aug. 28.