From being a member of the Manichean sect, to being subject to lust, to even having a child - he eventually converted to Catholicism, embraced the priesthood, and attained the episcopate. This is the story of Saint Augustine.
FR. GABRIELE PEDICINO
Prior Provincial of the Augustines in Italy
Saint Augustine can be defined in many ways, but he is certainly a man of desire, a man of searching, a man of love, and therefore I would define him as a man of the heart, because in the heart all these realities come together.
Considered the greatest of the Latin Church Fathers, he was one of the most influential theologians in history. This led to his doctorate. A native of Tagaste, in present-day Algeria, he left a great legacy that still resonates strongly today.
FR. GABRIELE PEDICINO
Prior Provincial of the Augustines in Italy
I think the relevance of St. Augustine today lies precisely in this restlessness, this desire, this quest, which sometimes led him to make mistakes, but always in his search for the truth. Today, I believe this restlessness is quite common in the hearts of many young people, but also of many adults.
The life of Saint Augustine leaves no one indifferent. There were three pillars on which he based his life once he converted. They inspired what the Augustinian order is today.
FR. GABRIELE PEDICINO
Prior Provincial of the Augustines in Italy
Certainly the interior life, this listening to the heart where the inner Master speaks, certainly the fraternal life, the life of friendship for St. Augustine was very important, along with evangelization, proclamation, drawing as many people as possible to Christ.
Today, the remains of Saint Augustine's mother, Saint Monica, and a relic of his finger rest in the same Basilica that was erected in his honor in Rome. Many pilgrims travel there every August 28th, his feast day.
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