The Catholic saint’s day commemorates today, Friday, August 28, St. Augustine of Hippo, bishop, philosopher and theologian considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity. His thought left a deep mark on Western theology and philosophy that continues to be valid centuries later.
Each day, the liturgical calendar allows us to approach the lives of men and women whose legacy has transcended their own time. August 28 is especially dedicated to St. Augustine, whose career was marked by a profound personal transformation before becoming one of the great intellectual references of the Church.
SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO
Saint Augustine was born in Tagaste, in North Africa, in the year 354. Son of Saint Monica, during his youth he moved away from Christianity and dedicated years to study and search for philosophical and spiritual answers. His training and his intellectual concerns led him to work as a professor of rhetoric in different cities.
His life changed during his stay in Milan, where he learned about the teachings of Bishop St. Ambrose and began a process that culminated in his conversion to Christianity. He was baptized in 387 and, after returning to North Africa, he ended up being ordained a priest and later appointed bishop of Hippo.
Saint Augustine developed an extensive philosophical and theological work in which titles such as Confessions and The City of God stand out. He died in Hippo in the year 430 and his thought exerted an enormous influence on the development of Christian doctrine. The Church celebrates his feast day every August 28.
WHY ARE SAINTS CELEBRATED?
The Christian saint’s day has its origin in the tradition of remembering the saints and blesseds recognized by the Church every day. These commemorations value the life and testimony of people who stood out for their faith and for the example they left throughout their lives.
With the passage of time, the celebration of saints also became linked to the name day, so that many people celebrate their saint on the day on which the Church remembers the saint from whom they received their name. This custom is still deeply rooted in many countries with a Christian tradition.
