SAINT AUGUSTINE
AND HIS RULE

After a misspent youth, Saint Augustine was struck at the age of 33 by the beauty of truth, and was baptised by St Ambrose in Milan.

 
Against his wishes, he was selected to become a priest and then Bishop of Hippo. He died in 430, leaving many writings which led to him becoming one of the greatest Fathers of the Church. Holy Mother Church makes more use of Augustine's writings than those of any other saint, to nourish its official prayer - the liturgy.

Around 397, he drew up his Rule, which consequently became the leading monastic rule in the West. Short (only six A4 pages), wise, very flexible and of an exceptional universality, it has been adopted by almost 300 Orders and Congregations, including all Canons Regular. The Rule can inspire and sanctify, not only those in religious life, but also lay Christians. Laypeople such as Jean de la Bruyère in the 17th century and Blessed Frederick Ozanam in the 19th century, were full of admiration for the saintly bishop. Pope Benedict XVI consecrated a doctoral thesis to St Augustine and frequently quotes him.

The more one reads and studies Saint Augustine, the more one gathers pearls, marvelling at his humility, grace, authority and obedience.

St Augustine says: "Just as the ownership of material goods can divide men, so poverty and life in common are the conditions of unity of hearts and of meeting God. Consequently, one cannot meet God if one is divided."

"How I delayed in loving You, a beauty so old and yet so new, how I delayed in loving You... You called me and, in calling, You overcame my deafness...I have tasted You and I hunger and thirst for You: You touched me and, henceforth, I will burn with desire for Your peace." Confessions, X, 27.



The conversion of Augustine, today as in the past, encourages us to convert ourselves.