Saint Augustine of Hippo
One of the greatest stories of a sinner turned saint
Born in 354 AD in Roman North Africa, Saint Augustine lived a life of philosophical questioning, sin, and spiritual searching before his dramatic conversion to Christianity at the age of 31—due in large part to the prayers and tears of his devout mother, Saint Monica. A former student of Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Augustine would go on to become the Bishop of Hippo and one of the most influential, if not the most influential, theologians in Western Christianity. He left behind timeless works like Confessions and The City of God, shaping generations of Catholic theologians, popes, and church councils. His journey from restlessness to divine purpose continues to inspire believers, seekers, and scholars to this day.
354 AD – Early Turmoil in Thagaste
Born in Roman North Africa to Monica (a devout Christian) and Patricius (a pagan who converted on his deathbed), Augustine’s early life was marked by spiritual tension. He famously stole a pear—not from hunger, but for the thrill—later realizing he sinned for sin’s sake.
370s – Hedonism and Philosophical Frustration
While studying in Carthage, he embraced sensual pleasure and joined the Manichaeans—a dualistic religion. Though brilliant, he remained spiritually unsatisfied. Monica never stopped praying for him.
Early 380s – "Grant Me Chastity—But Not Yet"
As a father to Adeodatus and partner to a long-term lover, Augustine prayed for chastity while still clinging to worldly desire. He was torn: yearning for wisdom, resisting surrender.
383–384 – Milan & Ambrose
In Milan, Augustine met Bishop Ambrose, whose rhetorical brilliance impressed him. Monica, now living with him, intensified her prayers. Slowly, her son’s heart began to change.
384–385 – Separation and Internal Grief
Augustine sent away his long-term partner—the mother of Adeodatus—to pursue a political marriage with a young noble girl, who was not yet of marriageable age. In the waiting period, he took another mistress, worsening his inner torment. He later wrote that his heart was “torn and bleeding.”
386 – Garden of Tears
In anguish, Augustine heard a childlike voice say: “Take up and read.” He opened the Bible to Romans 13:13–14 and found the call to cast off sin. That moment marked his true awakening.
387 – Baptism of Augustine and Death of Monica
On Easter Vigil, Augustine was baptized by Ambrose, alongside Adeodatus and his friend Alypius. Shortly after, Monica died peacefully in Ostia, unable to return to Africa before her death, saying her life’s mission—his salvation—was complete. Augustine wept like a child.
388 – Death of Adeodatus
Back in North Africa, Augustine’s brilliant son Adeodatus died as a teenager. Augustine rarely spoke of it after, but his writings reflect a deep shift from ambition to humility.
Post-Baptism – A Radical New Life
Augustine renounced his teaching career and formed a monastic community in Tagaste. He began writing, praying, and living in simplicity with like-minded men.
391–430 – Bishop & Theologian
Ordained in 391 and appointed Bishop of Hippo in 395, Augustine spent the rest of his life preaching, writing, debating heresies, and building the theological foundations of the Church. His “second conversion” was one of surrender—from brilliant rhetorician to humble shepherd.