Augustine was born in Thagaste (Algeria) in Africa in 354. Despite the example of his mother, St Monica, he became a Manichean and fathered an illegitimate child. He was converted at the age of thirty-three and baptised by St Ambrose in Milan. Returning to him homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria). For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings, defending the faith against the errors of his time, making him one of the most influential Doctors of the Church. His principles concerning the religious life continue to inspire Augustinian canons, friars and nuns. He died in 430. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2953; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1210
