Notable convert, brilliant theologian and writer; the principal father of the Western Church

Today we celebrate Saint Augustine of Hippo, the greatest bishop and writer of the Western Church in ancient times. He studied rhetoric (art of speaking) and philosophy. During his restless youth he lost his faith, but he never stopped seeking the truth passionately. He traveled to Rome and Milan. The prayers and tears of his mother – Saint Monica - and the sanctity of the bishop of Milan - San Ambrose - convinced him that the Truth is Jesus Christ. Then he agreed to receive the baptism. Later, when he returned to Carthage, he received the priestly ordination and, a little later, was consecrated as Bishop of Hippo. Augustine was a praying man with profound thoughts. He wrote a lot and was very attentive taking care of his "flock." - Thus Augustine said: "Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee."