The Power of Grace: St. Augustine’s Profound Conversion Story – Aug 28 – Homily – Fr Jacinto

Fr Jacinto Chapin Chapin gives the homily, on how St. Augustine's journey from a hedonistic life and Manichaean heresy to his profound conversion, inspired by grace and the Scriptures, teaches us to relentlessly pursue and embrace the liberating truth found in Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.

St. Augustine, born in Tagaste in 354 to St. Monica, initially delayed baptism, embracing a hedonistic lifestyle and the Manichaean heresy, a dualistic philosophy. His mother, St. Monica, prayed for his conversion for nearly three decades. Augustine's intellectual journey led him from Manichaeism to skepticism and Neoplatonism.

His conversion was profoundly influenced by his mother's prayers, friends' counsel, and the intellect and charity of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. The pivotal moment came when he heard "tolle, lege" (take up and read), leading him to Romans 13:13-14, which spoke of putting on Christ. This encounter prompted his conversion, and he was baptized by St. Ambrose at age 33.

Augustine later became a priest and served faithfully as a bishop for 35 years. Known as the "Doctor of Grace," he wrote extensively against heresies and on doctrine, including *Confessions* and *City of God*. He died in 430 at age 76. His life inspires us to pursue the fullness of truth in Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith, to embrace, deepen, and share it, for "the truth will set you free."

– Augustine studied in Carthage, sinned, became Manichean after father's death – https://airmaria.com/go/BYLwxh
Pope Benedict XVI 2008 – In Milan, Augustine was fascinated by Bishop Ambrose's eloquent preaching – https://airmaria.com/go/KT3E52
– Scholars debate Augustine's concubine and Church's historical stance on concu... – https://airmaria.com/go/4HrJvR
Pope Pius XI – Augustine's heart retained Savior's name from mother's early influence – https://airmaria.com/go/aU6uZd
Pope Benedict XVI 2010 – Augustine valued dear people like parents and teachers in life – https://airmaria.com/go/nVfzU2

Romans 13:13 – Put on Christ, abandon worldly desires – https://airmaria.com/go/c5hgVH
John 8:32 – The truth will set you free – https://airmaria.com/go/nCxDMF
CCC 1987 – Grace makes us partakers of divine nature – https://airmaria.com/go/5qTjau
CCC 2737 – Perseverance in prayer, even in dryness – https://airmaria.com/go/hAu6My
CCC 1212 – Baptism is the basis of Christian life – https://airmaria.com/go/NCvysM

00:00 - Introduction to St. Augustine's Early Life
00:01:14 - Augustine's Intellectual and Spiritual Wanderings
00:02:27 - The Path Towards Conversion
00:03:53 - The Moment of Conversion: Tolle, Lege
00:05:06 - Augustine's Ministry and Legacy
00:06:53 - Lessons from St. Augustine: The Pursuit of Truth

Ave Maria!
Mass: Friday in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/082826.cfm
1st: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 - Wisdom of the Cross
Resp: Psalms 33:1-2, 4-5, 10, 11 - Praise for God's Sovereignty
Gsp: Matthew 25:1-13 - Parable of the Ten Virgins

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=928

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6AmXDh2Qbw