#134 St. Augustine of Hippo - Theologians, Brewers, Breaking a Vice

Patron of Theologians, Brewers & for Breaking a Vice. 354 AD - 430 ADFeast Day - August 28 Born a Roman African. His mother was St. Monica who wept and prayed for her son to renounce his hedonistic ways and follow the path of Jesus. Augustine considered the mother a central figure in life. He was well educated with a great intellect and a profound interest in philosophy and rhetoric. At 17 he began an affair with a woman who was beneath his station to marry. He lived with her for 15 years. They had one son. He left her to marry a young girl of his station, but before she reached the marrying age of 12, he was spiritually led to the Christian faith and decided to become a celibate priest. By 30, he was in the highest academic position in the Latin world. He was well versed in the many philosophies of different faiths and ordained a priest in 391 and became a famous preacher. He was Bishop of Hippo. From then till now he has influenced virtually all western philosophy and theology. "