August 28, 2023, Memorial Day of St. Augustine, Holy Rosary (Joyful Mysteries)

Today, August 28, the Catholic Church honors St. Augustine, one of the most influential theologians in the history of the Catholic Church.

Born in the town of Thagaste (now Souk-Ahras in modern Algeria), Augustine lived a dissolute life of sin up until his conversion — written in the autobiographical brilliant book of Confessions. He also wrote The City of God. 

His mother, Saint Monica’s tears and intense prayers, along with the sermons of Saint Ambrose, the bishop and Doctor of the Church, inspired him to embrace the truth of Christ.

On a visit to Hippo, Augustine was proclaimed priest and then Bishop against his will. He later accepted it as the will of God and spent the rest of his life as the pastor of this North African town.

On August 28, 430, as Hippo was under siege by the Vandals, Augustine died, at the age of 76.