St. Augustine of Hippo

St. Augustine of Hippo was born Nov. 13, 354, in North Africa to St. Monica and her husband. Although he was born a Christian, he wandered from his faith and lived wildly. He was a Manichaean for a number of years before he converted; St. Ambrose of Milan baptized him. After his mother’s death, he sold his property, gave the money to the poor and founded a monastery. This monk and priest became bishop of Hippo in 396. He fought a number of heresies, including Pelagianism, Manichaeism and Donatism. He was named a doctor of the church. St. Augustine, who died in 430, is patron saint of brewers, sore eyes and theologians.