St. Augustine, or Augustine of Hippo, was a towering figure in Western Christianity, living from 354 to 430 AD. Born in North Africa, his early life was marked by intellectual curiosity and hedonism, detailed in his famous Confessions. 

After years of searching, he converted to Christianity under the influence of St. Ambrose in Milan. He became the Bishop of Hippo and dedicated his life to teaching and writing, establishing himself as one of the four original Doctors of the Church. 

His key writings, The City of God and Confessions, fundamentally shaped Christian doctrine on concepts like original sin, grace, salvation, and the relationship between the Church and the world. He remains arguably the most influential Christian thinker after the Apostles. 

 
In You – St Augustine 

O Loving God, 
To turn away from you is to fall, 
To turn towards you is to rise, 
And to stand before you is to live forever. 

Grant us, dear God, 
In all our work, your help; 
In all our uncertainties, your guidance; 
In all our dangers, your protection; 
In all our sorrows, your peace. 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.