St Augustine was born in 354 in Tagaste (modern Algeria). Whilst schooled in Christianity by his mother Monica (also a saint, her feast being the previous day), the independent and intellectual young Augustine adopted the creed of the Manicheans, a popular religion in the ancient world which set goodness and evil as equal and opposing forces. Augustine lived for many years far from Christian moral principles (he cohabited with his mistress for fifteen years) yet as outlined in his famous book the Confessions was gradually moved in mind and heart towards a deep and permanent conversion of life and a definitive acceptance of a Christian and then priestly vocation. Baptised by St Ambrose of Milan, Augustine later was consecrated Bishop of Hippo, an ancient city located also in modern Algeria; he became perhaps the greatest Christian theologian and apologist of the first millennium. We are fortunate in Port Elizabeth to have St Augustine as the patron of our cathedral, reflecting his special place in the African church yet a figure also of universal Christian significance. We invoke his intercession specially for our bishop, Vincent, that the saint’s patronage may sustain our pastor in the exercise of his ministry.
(Image: Angled detail photo of the “Saint Augustine” Mexican Feather Mosaic, taken at the “Artistic Accounts of the Conquest” exhibit at the Franz Mayer Museum, Mexico City)