Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Bishop of Hippo, born Tagaste, Africa, 354; died Hippo, 430. He was the son of Patricius, a pagan, and of Saint Monica, and received a Christian education but, on proceeding to Carthage to study law, he became a slave to immorality and eventually embraced Manichaeism. He went to Italy, 383, and taught rhetoric at Milan, where he was baptized by Ambrose, 387. Returning to Tagaste, 388, he distributed his goods to the poor, and was ordained, 391. Consecrated assistant Bishop of Hippo, 396, he introduced religious poverty and community life into his residence, which became a nursery of African monasteries and bishops. For 34 years he wrote and preached against the heresies of the times; becoming renowned as a philosopher, a theologian, and especially as the Doctor of Grace. His writings cover the whole field of theology; his Confessions and the City of God are the best known. His conversion is the classic instance of the efficacy of a mother's prayer. His description of his last days with Saint Monica, at Ostia, is the most sublime passage in his Confessions. Patron of theologians, brewers, and printers, invoked against sore eyes. Emblems: dove, child, shell, and pen. Relics at Pavia and Hippo. Feast, Roman Calendar, August 28,. See also, patron saints index.
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