Congratulations! You have officially survived the first full weekend without Lent Madness voting -- an activity that continues throughout the weekdays of Lent. Your reward? The long-anticipated Battle of the Augustines! Will it be Hippo or Canterbury? The choice, dear friends, is yours.
For those who didn't receive news of Friday's results (and you can always go back to the original post or check the Bracket tab), Raymond Nonnatus ripped apart John of Nepomuk 83% to 17%.
We also have good news to report on ReviewGate, the controversy that recently touched the inner sanctum of Lent Madness. Last Friday we shared the news that someone had (shockingly!) given Lent Madness a 2-out-of-5 rating on our Facebook page. In fact, over the years we had garnered a 4.8 star rating. That might seem high but when you consider yourselves "Supreme" that's just not good enough. Thanks to the hundreds of Lent Madness fans who shared our outrage and posted their own reviews, we are up to a full 5-out-of-5 star rating with nearly 1,000 reviews. In other words, all is now right with the Lenten world.
Augustine of Hippo
Fourth-century Bishop Augustine of Hippo is, along with Paul of Tarsus, one of the most influential theologians of the Western Church. His writings on creation, the sacraments, the Church, the Trinity, and grace are considered seminal works of Western theology. While Augustine’s work is often described as academic—and occasionally bordering on pedantic—Augustine also exhibited vulnerability, as is memorably seen in his Confessions.
From a young age, Augustine avoided saintly living. While his mother Monnica raised him as a Christian, he was never baptized. He abandoned Christianity in his youth, studying rhetoric, philosophy, and Manichaeism, a chief religious rival to Christianity in North Africa. Augustine lived a free and unconstrained life for fifteen years living with a woman and fathering a child outside the bonds of marriage. He eventually abandoned his relationship, moving to Rome to start a school and finally to Milan to serve the court as a professor of rhetoric. Augustine fell under the influence of Ambrose, Milan’s bishop, and he reached his own religious crisis, which he describes at length in his Confessions. In 387, Ambrose baptized Augustine on Easter Eve, and Augustine found the rest in God for which his heart had so longed. He returned to North Africa and lived a quasi-monastic life as a layperson until 391 when—against his own will—he was seized by the community around him and ordained as a priest. Within four years, he had been ordained to the episcopate, and he served as Bishop of Hippo until his death in 430.
Augustine’s breadth of life experience, his profound intellect, and his prayerful demeanor are evident in his writing. Augustine countered the Manichaeans’ insistence on the existence of a force in eternal opposition to God, affirming instead the goodness of creation. He defended the doctrine of the Trinity, arguing for the rationality of the three-in-one and one-in-three nature of God. Augustine asserted that the church is holy because of the calling its members receive from God. Above all, Augustine’s theology is rooted in a deep yearning and desire for God and a profound sense of the importance of the community of the Church and of all its members.
Collect for Augustine of Hippo
Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you: Help us, following the example of your servant Augustine of Hippo, so to know you that we may truly love you, and so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Augustine of Canterbury
Details of Augustine’s early life are sketchy. He was born in sixth-century Rome, most likely into an aristocratic family. He is thought to have been a student of Felix, Bishop of Messana, who was a contemporary and friend of Pope Gregory the Great.
Often called the Apostle to the English, Augustine began his journey to Canterbury in 596 CE, after Pope Gregory called him to lead a group of forty (mostly monks) to the kingdom of Kent in Britannia. Travel was treacherous, and the group returned to Rome after reaching Gaul, where tales of Britannia frightened them. Pope Gregory was not sympathetic and promptly sent them back on their way, where they landed on the Isle of Thanet in 597.
The Kentish people met the monks’ ministry with interest and hospitality. Though Christianity had been previously established in southeastern Britain, many Christians had gone into hiding following the Saxon conquest. Augustine’s arrival allowed Christians to be more open about their faith. King Æthelberht of Kent was married to Queen Bertha—a Christian—and Æthelberht responded kindly toward Augustine and his fellow monks, allowing them to use an old church from the Roman occupation located in the village of Canterbury. From this modest beginning, the parish church and the town were transformed into the center of Augustine’s work and ministry.
Pope Gregory suggested—and Augustine complied—that Augustine purify rather than destroy the area’s pagan temples and practices. Working with local traditions, Augustine and his brothers spread Christianity while retaining some of the cultural traditions of the Kentish people. Augustine evangelized widely, establishing churches and schools, celebrating the sacraments, and baptizing converts. Augustine is reported to have baptized thousands of people on Christmas Day 597.
Augustine was seated as the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597, forming the first link in an unbroken, unwavering succession of Archbishops of Canterbury. Augustine died on May 26, around 604, in Canterbury, where he is buried. His feast is celebrated on May 26.
Collect for Augustine of Canterbury
O Lord our God, by your Son Jesus Christ you called your apostles and sent them forth to preach the Gospel to the nations: We bless your holy Name for your servant Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, whose labors in propagating your Church among the English people we commemorate today; and we pray that all whom you call and send may do your will, and bide your time, and see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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321 comments on “Augustine of Hippo vs. Augustine of Canterbury”
Canterbury's arrogance toward the British church that was already there caused a lot of problems. I also agree that Gregory was the prime mover of the conversion of the Angles. (Sorry, I read Bede.) I had to go with Hippo in spite of some reservations.
I'm confused. The write-up says Augustine of Hippo "abandoned his relationship," and in a tight race a detail like this is critical. Other contributors suggest he maintained the relationship, at least until his son tragically died at 16. Since I'm not a religious historian or theologian, I am dependent upon the information presented in the brief bios. I cannot vote in good conscience until I know the truth. Please help.
He broke off with his mistress (though I believe they had some sort of contractual relationship), and she went back to Africa, left their son in Augustine's care.
I read comments - and learned a lot! I just voted and honestly cannot remember who I voted for...because my mind kept changing. Thanks to all of you who contribute your knowledge to a broader understanding of the saints - part of the reason I love Lent Madness.
I greatly admire Augustine of Hippo - but being Episcopalian, seems I must vote for Augustine of Canterbury.
Hippo, because he learned along the way, chose his path (NOT abandoning his son as others have noted), followed Christ, studied and wrote his thoughts, and was clearly such a good teacher that
others wanted him to lead them. He led a long life and did much for the glory of God and the Church.
Canterbury, however, was much prodded and influenced by Pope Gregory, and his greatest claim to fame seems to be that he was the first of many in a long and unbroken chain.
A mother's love and prayers for a reprobate son reached Almighty God who converted Augustine of Hippo. She probably had calluses on her knees but God heard her pleas. Also, thee is my mother's alma mater: St. Augustine's in Raleigh NC of Delany fame. He won't win today but he will in my heart.
I believe that Augustin of C was responsible for squelching Celtic Christianity so A of H is my man
Maybe, but Hippo probably did just as much to squelch Celtic Christianity. We can't set up black vs white miters on this one. Nor any LM contest, I'd surmise.
Actually while Augustine of C brought Roman Catholicism to Britain, it was the Celtic Bishops who elected voluntarily to become part of a broader Church believing it to be one. The Roman Catholics had no idea Celtic Christianity. The Synod of Witby was the place of this voluntary act.
I was not referring to England. Hippo squelched the influence of Celtic Christianity IN ROME by silencing Pelagius who had gone there to study and teach.
Yes your right Austin of Hippo did squelch Celtic Chrustianity while Pelagius was I. rom in the late 300s. I thought you were saying Augustine of C squelched Celtic Chrustianity in Britain late.
Had to go with Hippo. His conversion was not unlike my own.
Here's a lovely saying by Augustine of Hippo:
I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.
For many reasons i am not an Augustin of Hippo fan. Part is of course the relationship issue, but more importantly i find some of his theology disturbing - double predestination to mind does seem to be part of his thinking. I had a Jesuit professor who tried to argue that it wasn't 'truly Augustinian' because it arose from fear as the Vandals were, at the time of that particular writing, trying to invade Hippo. I personally don't feel this carries a lot of weight as an excuse. He also sounds so sanctimonious sometimes. Now, if he were the patron saint of hippos, i might lean a different way- but today i'm going with Augustin of Canterbury.
Too true. I would have voted for him if he was the patron saint of hippos as well. BTW do hippos have their own patron saint
What Jeanine said! (I DO remember voting for Augustine of Canterbury in this very tough matchup, partly I confess, because of my affection for Canterbury). But, as posted in an earlier comment, A of C's respect for indigenous culture as he spread the gospel tipped the balance for me. I would do well to remember that spreading the Love of God is different from spreading my own myopic view of how others should dress/think/act/talk.
Indeed. Too many cultures have been erased or greatly diminished by missionaries who sullied the Gospel by preaching their own cultural trappings along with it.
A shout out to Neva Rae Fox for starting out her bio on Augustine of Canterbury with "details of Augustine's early life are sketchy." That caught my attention and I was impressed with his willingness to let the Kentish people hold on to some of their traditions and culture.
I couldn't vote for a man who abandoned his child. Canterbury for me.
He didn't abandon his son! See previous comments. A of H cared for his son for the son's entire life.
No contest. St Augustine's brilliance just shines through.. the greatest mind after St. Paul indeed, especially in articulation of the Trinity... perhaps the greatest insight into the nature of reality that we Christians have to offer.
It's early in the day... come on Hippoites....
Canterbury, because I am English, and the unbroken chain of Archbishops of Catpnterbury starts here. Hippo is certainly more important to the global Church, but I know a bit about him, and would like to learn more about his namesake in England.
A of Hippo: I was much impacted and blessed by his prayer "that God keep us restless until we find our rest in Thee". This came during one of my more restless periods of life.
Tough choice--I liked what I learned about Augustine of Canterbury. But, I have a soft spot for Augustine of Hippo. I remember when a sister student was reading an excerpt from his confessions, and all of a sudden she threw the book down in disgust with an exclamation. When I asked what was going on, she said, "Well, he started talking about the 'misty passions of the concupiscent flesh' and I thought he was going to confess something juicy, and instead he talks about lusting after an apple in the neighbor's orchard. Good grief!" After that, we had a running joke for a while about the "misty passions of the concupiscent flesh." Another quote of his that I love is "Give me chastity and give me constancy, but do not give them yet."
I voted for the Canterbury Augustine because well Pelagius would want it that way for the Anglicans. When will Pelagius make the Kenten brackets?
Hippo .... How could you abandon your child? Is that true or Fake News? We can forgive him, but not till Lent Madness is over. Canterbury gets my vote.
Untrue. See previous comments.
A of Hippo didn't abandon his son. See other comments.
Gus Hippo gets my vote. I can't wait to see the movie.
When they make the movie I hope they include the scene where he is seized by the community and forced--perhaps kicking and screaming--into the church to be ordained. I'm afraid I had to go with "Gus" Canterbury, despite his being scared off going to England by the Gallians . (sp?)
My love for Canterbury tells me I must vote for St. Augustine of Canterbury,
I thought I would vote for A. of Canterbury, but David Sibley won me over to A. of Hippo, even with the misleading part about "abandoning" his family. I was especially impressed with the Collect -- thanks, David.
Most of our family is voting for Augustine of Hippo. Because I abbreviated him "A Hippo" while helping a child fill out a bracket. Now it matters very little what either Augustine did- my kids are just hoping for a big win for A Hippo!
As a good Episcopalian, I probably should have voted for Canterbury, but Augustine of Hippo has long been one of my favorites, so I cast my vote for him. His life is a reminder that no matter how far we might stray from God, we can always come back. In the inimitable words of my long-departed Granny, "You can be saved between the saddle and the ground!"
Now I must go campaign on Facebook!
As an Anglican Anglophile, I am certainly drawn to A of C, but who can resist the cry of a young man Lord make me chaste but not yet. Actually, Hippo gets my vote because he became one of the primary theologians of the church, still a major influence today.
Can ancestry.com help track down Augustine of Hippo's kid's lineage? Voted for Gus of Canterbury. Glad he christened some of the old pagan ways. They are a lot of fun.
His son died at age 16 according to earlier comments.
For Augustine of Hippo and Augustine of Canterbury
St. Flavian, Hymnal ’82, 142 (Lord, who throughout these 40 days)
Two saints who share a common name
And share our common faith;
And though they’re wildly different folk
They help us still today.
The one from Hippo’s name looms huge,
(His hometown’s name is apt!)
Defined so much that still is taught
He was one clever chap.
He spoke his truth, confessed his faults,
And tried to hide and pray.
Duty called and he obeyed
The rest is history.
A faithful monk was sent to lead
And serve where pagans reigned.
Where Christ was barely known or served
His fears he had to tame.
He worked with gentleness so wise,
With love and courtesy.
His kindness and compassion is
The wisdom that we need.
One note I’d add to SEC;
You’ve dealt us a tough blow!
To choose between such worthy saints
Is trying, don’t you know?
What a fine new hymn!
❤️
Hooray to Diana for another fine hymn.
Hard choice, but I was finally influenced by Augustine of Hippo's "profound sense of the community of the Church and of all its members." My faith is dependent on the "community" of the faithful. Atta' boy, Augie H.
A of Hippo's son died at sixteen so he is unlikely to have left descendants. BTW A of H took care of his son for life.
I could not bring myself to vote for a man who abandoned his child and the child's mother.
I think it's not right to say that Augustine abandoned his son that he took care of his entire life, especially when the son died early at 16. It's a terrible loss for a parent to outlive their child, and then to be falsely accused.
A of Hippo didn't abandon his son -- see comments.