Santi e Beati
Saint Augustine: from sins to sainthood - 5 episodes that tell the story of his transformation
Editrice Shalom
Tempo di lettura: 2 min
Autore: Editrice Shalom
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At 16, Augustine stole pears not out of hunger, but for the sheer pleasure of transgressing. In the Confessions, he wrote that sin gave him pleasure «because it was forbidden». A simple act, but one that revealed his attraction to evil.
2. The slavery of lust
From a young age, Augustine was dominated by sexual desire. At 16, he already declared himself a “slave to lust”. This addiction stayed with him for years, making every stable and profound relationship difficult.
3. A son born out of wedlock
A son, Adeodatus, was born from his relationship with a woman. Augustine loved him deeply, but he never wanted to marry his mother. When she left him, he confessed: «She was stronger than me». A pain that drove him to seek order in his life.
4. Another lover, a divided heart
While waiting to marry a young woman to whom he was betrothed, Augustine took another lover. He was unable to live without relationships, but he could not distinguish between love and desire. He was a man struggling with himself.
5. The pain of his mother Monica
Saint Monica, his mother, suffered deeply because of his dissolute life. She prayed incessantly for him, asking him at least not to seduce married women. Her love and faith were fundamental to her son's conversion.
Redemption is possible
Augustine did not remain a prisoner of his mistakes. He found the strength to change, reconciled with his mother, and raised his son. His Confessions are an act of truth and hope. His life teaches us that it is never too late to start over.
