Augustine's youth

Augustine is born on November 13, 354, in Thagaste (actual Algeria). Back then, Africa is one of the wheat granaries of the Roman Empire. Augustine comes from humble roots: his parents are small landowners. His father, Patrice, is a Pagan, while his mother Monique is a devout Christian. Augustine receives a Christian upbringing and attends catechism. He is a happy child and enjoys life with his parents and his siblings, a brother and a sister. 

At the age of eleven, young Augustine was sent to study in Madaurus. But young Augustine barely studies: he prefers attending theater plays, shows, and performances, he "likes to like." 

At seventeen years old, Augustine travels to Carthage to pursue his studies, with the help of a wealthy sponsor, Romanianus. There, he takes a lover and fathers a son, whom he names Adeodatus. But unlike in Madaurus, Augustine studies: he is an excellent student, with a sharp sense of observation. He becomes a teacher, first in 374 in Thagaste, then in 376 in Carthage. His culture revolves around the authors of the Antiquity. The reading of Hortensius, by Cicero, has a decisive influence on him. But how to reconcile his quest for wisdom with his youthful passion? 

Augustine starts reading the Bible but is soon put off by its style. He then turns to the Manichean sect. Their founder, Mani (216-277) preached a universal, dualistic religion. Its base was simple: Good and Evil are in perpetual opposition. The kingdom of Light opposes the kingdom of Darkness. Manicheans recognize the New Testament. However, they reject the Ancient Testament by eliminating all that seems to contradict reason. Augustine leaves the Church and becomes a follower of Mani, but he feels that something is missing. 

To be continued!

Prayer for our families

Augustine received plenty from his family, even though it took him time to realize. Families are where the most perfect love is, but also, sometimes, the most tenacious hatred. 

O Lord our God, we entrust to your care our families, who contributed to shape the persons we are today.

Protect happy families, reconcile torn families, support families in hardship.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, 

Amen. 

Artwork: Saint Augustine at the University of Carthage, by Benozzo Gozzoli, 15th century. Found in St. Augustine Chapel in San Gimigniano, Tuscany.