Augustine of Hippo – Digital Palaeography

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430) was a theologian and philosopher of North African origin. He was born in Thagaste, now Souk Ahras in Algeria and was the bishop of Hippo Regius, under the Roman Empire which is currently Annaba in Algeria. He is considered one of the pillars of the Church Fathers who established the intellectual cornerstones of Christianity. His writings have been influential in the development of Western Christianity and Western philosophy. The Spring School of Paleography 2024 provided me with the opportunity to visit the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia, where a reliquary houses the sacred remains of Saint Augustine

Painting of Saint Augustin by Philippe de Champaigne

Augustine’s Encounter with Manichaeism

At the age of seventeen, Augustine embarked on an intellectual and spiritual exploration within Manichaeism, attracted by its synthesis of Christian doctrine and Persian dualism. This engagement during his Carthaginian period was driven by a search for a rationalistic interpretation of faith, which Manichaeism appeared to offer through its narratives on the nature of evil and human sin. The sect’s portrayal of a cosmological conflict between light and darkness appealed to Augustine, promising an enlightened perspective that aligned with his critical pursuits.

Following a period of deep engagement with Manichaeism, Augustine’s journey took him through phases of hedonism, skepticism, and profound philosophical inquiry, leading to a state of disillusionment with the various doctrines he had encountered. His pursuit for truth and understanding led him into the depths of “Academic Doubt,” a skepticism rooted in the teachings of the Platonic Academy, which questioned the very possibility of knowing truth. This phase of existential doubt plunged Augustine into a profound depression, as he grappled with the futility of finding absolute truth through human intellect alone.

The Path towards Embracing Christianity

Amidst a profound disillusionment with Manichaeism, astrology, and prior intellectual engagements, Augustine confronted the profound question of whether absolute truth could ever be apprehended by human intellect. His explorations led him to encounter Neo-Platonism, which, drawing from Plotinus, advocated for an introspective quest away from the fallible sensory world towards the immutable truths that stand beyond empirical scrutiny. This philosophical pivot facilitated Augustine’s recognition of certain indubitable truths concerning his own existence, cognition, and intrinsic value.

This epiphany, underpinning a newfound reconciliation with the notion of unchanging truth, significantly propelled Augustine towards a spiritual and intellectual transformation. Parallel to this internal journey, Augustine’s interactions with Ambrose, the influential Bishop of Milan and a master of rhetoric, enriched his understanding and appreciation of Christianity, bridging his philosophical revelations with theological insights. This amalgamation of introspective discovery and theological engagement culminated in a critical juncture in Augustine’s life, laying the foundational groundwork for his eventual conversion to Christianity, marking a decisive turn in his life.

Augustine’s Baptism

In 386, Augustine’s conversion in Milan led him to prepare for baptism under Bishop Ambrose’s guidance, paralleling today’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. This preparation involved detailed instruction, scrutinies to assess sincerity, and ceremonies emphasizing commitment to Christianity. Augustine and his companions, including his son Adeodatus, underwent a transformative preparation period, culminating in a deeply impactful baptism ceremony during Easter 387. This experience, enriched by the liturgical music and rituals, led Augustine to a profound realization of peace through unity with the Creator, famously expressing, “You made us for yourself and our hearts find no peace until they rest in you.” Augustine’s baptism was a pivotal moment, marking his formal entry into the Christian faith alongside his son.

Augustine the Bishop

After his return to Thagasthe, Augustine formed a community in Hippo. His journey to becoming Bishop of Hippo began with his ordination as a priest in 391, during which he established a monastic community for clergy on church grounds. This community blended monastic life with apostolic duties, emphasizing communal living and strict poverty. Upon becoming assistant bishop in 395, Augustine expanded this communal model to his episcopal household, living and working alongside his clergy under a rule that stressed humility and service.

Valerius, the then Bishop of Hippo, identified Augustine as his successor early on, navigating the canonical hurdles to appoint him as coadjutor bishop despite a false scandal. Augustine’s approach to his episcopal role was deeply influenced by his monastic ideals, focusing on serving Christ humbly and prioritizing communal over individual interests. Throughout his tenure, he balanced the spiritual and administrative demands of his office, advocating for a Christian identity that transcended his clerical duties and laying a foundational example for future religious communities.

Tombeau de Saint Augustin d'Hippone / Tomb of Saint Augustine of Hippo — The Tomb of Saint Augustine of Hippo in Pavia

The Spring school was an opportunity that allowed me to connect personally with the legacy of one of Christianity’s most influential figures. The presence of the relics of Saint Augustine not only serves as a tangible link to the past but also embodies the culmination of his journey and teachings. It was a unique spiritual occasion to embrace the past within the walls of a sacred space that has safeguarded his legacy for centuries.

Bibliography:

Brown, Peter. Augustine of Hippo: A Biography. University of California Press, 2000.

LANCEL, Serge. Augustin et la société féminine de son temps In : Saint Augustin : La Numidie et la société de son temps [en ligne]. Pessac: Ausonius Éditions, 2005

Gafford II, J. A. (2015). The life and conversion of Augustine of Hippo. Tenor of Our Times, 4(1).

http://www.augnet.org/en/life-of-augustine/

Early Years and Education

Augustine was born on November 13, 354, in Thagaste, a small town in what is now Algeria. He was raised in a Christian family where his mother, Saint Monica, played a pivotal role in his spiritual upbringing. Augustine received an education, studying rhetoric and philosophy in Carthage, where he developed a passion for intellectual pursuits. However, despite his Christian background, Augustine embarked on a rebellious journey in his early adulthood. He embraced a hedonistic lifestyle, not only seeking pleasure and worldly success, but also starting a family and having children with his mistress. The turning point in Augustine’s life was the conversion to Christianity, which came to be through an encounter with Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Influenced by Ambrose’s eloquence and his study of the Bible, Augustine was profoundly moved by the message of Christ’s love and redemption. In 387, at the age of 33, he underwent a dramatic conversion experience, symbolized by his baptism by Ambrose in Milan. This resulted in Augustine leaving his children and mistress to pursue Christian enlightenment.

Augustine as Bishop and Theologian

Following his conversion to Christianity, Augustine devoted himself to a life of service in the Christian Church. He became a priest and eventually a bishop. Throughout his life as a bishop, he spent most of his time preaching, writing extensive works, and engaging in debates defending orthodox Christian teachings. His works covered a wide range of subjects, most importantly theology, philosophy, ethics, and the nature of God, which have had a profound impact on Western thought and continue to be widely studied and revered. Among his most notable works are the “Confessions”, an introspective autobiography reflecting on his spiritual journey and struggles; “City of God”, a work addressing the relationship between Christianity and secular society; and “On Christian Doctrine”, a guide to interpreting scripture and teachings of the faith.

Although many of his original manuscripts have been lost or destroyed, some manuscripts still survive. The Corpus Augustinianum Veronense, which is located in the Biblioteca Capitolare in Verona, Italy, contains various works of Augustine. Notable among them is Codex Veronensis, which includes the oldest known complete copy of Augustine’s “De Civitate Dei” or “City of God” and dates back to the 8^th century. Some manuscripts are also in the collections of British Library, which preserves several significant Augustine manuscripts, including Royal MS 7 C. vii, containing Augustine’s “Confessions” and “De Trinitate” (On the Trinity), and Harley MS 2803, which contains a collection of his sermons.

The Remains of St. Augustine of Hippo:

Following St. Augustine’s death in 430, his remains were initially laid to rest in Hippo Regius (modern-day Annaba, Algeria). However, during the Vandal invasions of North Africa in the 5th century, his relics were transported to Sardinia for protection. Eventually, the bones found their way to Pavia, where they have remained since the 8th century. The tomb in the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia houses an intricately crafted reliquary containing St. Augustine’s skull, along with bones, which are believed to be his. Additionally, numerous artistic representations of St. Augustine, both in paintings and sculptures, can be found within the basilica.

Resources:

Brown, Peter. Augustine of Hippo: A Biography. University of California Press, 2000.

Chadwick, Henry. Augustine: A Very Short Introduction, Very Short Introductions (Oxford, 2001; online edn., Oxford Academic, 24 Sept. 2013), https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780192854520.001.0001

Augustine. Confessions. Oxford University Press, 2008, pp 1-311.

Augustine. City of God. Penguin Classics, 2003.

Manuscripts:

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Saint Augustine of Hippo: From a Manichean Theologist to a Bishop