St. Augustine

[AngelAmidala]

Okay, I know I could probably go search all this information up, but I figured maybe someone would know some of this off the top of their heads and be able to answer some questions for me.    I just finished reading parts of his Confessions for class and was wondering some things...

1.) Why was he made a saint?  Was it because of what he did once he became a Catholic or was it because he was an archbishop or was it something else?

2.) I might've missed some important parts (because what I have is just selections from some of the books)...but the way I read it, he became a Catholic by being baptized.  I know that's not the case now.  Was that how he became a Catholic?

3.) Along with the above, when was it that there was more involved in becoming a Catholic for someone who had not been what we've been calling a cradle Catholic?

4.) When considering individuals for positions (like bishops, etc.), do they look at the person's past?  I mean, when we're voting in a president, one side does what they can to dig up dirt on the other side (drug abuse, arrests, on and on).  Is that the same sort of thing for high positions in the Church?

5.) Along with the above, if Augustine was a person today and had done everything he did before, do you think he still would've wound up being an archbishop and then later canonized?

I think that's all I have for now.    Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[isshinwhat]

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02084a.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02091a.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02089a.htm

Here are a few links that I hope will help until someone can drop some info. I'm reading Confessions and City of God right now. What a conversion, huh?

God Bless,

Neal

 

[AngelAmidala]

I actually plan on reading more of his Confessions....which I've found a copy thanks to your third link there. Out of everything I've read for this class, I enjoyed Confessions the most so far.

Thanks for the links.

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

There was only one Church at the time so being baptized ment that one was Catholic. Nowdays, since there are many denominations, every baptized person is not automatically a Catholic. However, the Church recognizes these baptisms as valid and will not re-baptize someone who converts.

I believe he was made a saint because of contributions he made to Church thought, much like St. Thomas.

 

[VOW]

Wasn't St Augustine made a Doctor of the Church?

(to Angel: that's more like a PhD than an MD, LOL!)

His writings were such profound, moving contributions to the faith!


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[pax]

Originally posted by AngelAmidala

1.) Why was he made a saint?  Was it because of what he did once he became a Catholic or was it because he was an archbishop or was it something else?

I think it was because of his great contributions to the faith (especially in his writings.)

2.) I might've missed some important parts (because what I have is just selections from some of the books)...but the way I read it, he became a Catholic by being baptized.  I know that's not the case now.  Was that how he became a Catholic?

By his Baptism he was made Catholic

3.) Along with the above, when was it that there was more involved in becoming a Catholic for someone who had not been what we've been calling a cradle Catholic?

If the person had not been Baptized they would need to be.  Also, after taking some classes they would be confirmed, make their first confession, and receive holy Communion for the first time (Unless they were Eastern Orthodox.  If an Orthodox person decides to convert they have most likely already received those sacraments and must probably make a profession of faith).

4.) When considering individuals for positions (like bishops, etc.), do they look at the person's past?  I mean, when we're voting in a president, one side does what they can to dig up dirt on the other side (drug abuse, arrests, on and on).  Is that the same sort of thing for high positions in the Church?

The current Bishop selection process is very complex.  This is how a Bishop explained it to me.  The Bishops in an area get together and make a list of priests to consider.  When a need for a new Bishop arises someone looks at the names and sends letters to people in contact with that priest asking them to answer some questions under complete secrecy (they can't teel anyone).  Later, other investigations may take place and all the information collected is sent to a committee in Rome that looks through it and makes a recommendation to the Pope.  The Pope will then make a decision and send a letter to his ambassador (Apostolic Nuncio) to that country.  The Nuncio meets with the priest and asks him.  If he accepts, he is ordained Bishop.

In the earlier days Bishops were selected by an election by members of the clergy (I think).

5.) Along with the above, if Augustine was a person today and had done everything he did before, do you think he still would've wound up being an archbishop and then later canonized?

I think he would have.  Many of the saints lives haven't started out all that great and have later done many heroic things in defence of the faith. 

 

[AngelAmidala]

Wow...thanks pax for all of those answers! They helped clear up a lot!!

Just 2 more quick questions...for anyone.

When exactly did the process of having to take classes to join the Church start? Like what year?

My teacher kept referring to Augustine as "Augustin." I thought Augustine was pronounced "Aw-gust-eeen" as opposed to "Aw-gust-in." Which way is right...or is it both ways?

Thanks again!!

 

[Wolseley]

When exactly did the process of having to take classes to join the Church start? Like what year?

The exact year is unknown, but the process started out quite early; converts in the first three centuries of the Church sometimes had to study for upwards of three years or so before they could be baptized.

My teacher kept referring to Augustine as "Augustin." I thought Augustine was pronounced "Aw-gust-eeen" as opposed to "Aw-gust-in." Which way is right...or is it both ways?

Catholics always pronounce it "Ah-gus-tin". This is similar to the actual Latin pronunciation, which is like the name of the Emperor: Ah-gus-tus. "Aw-gus-teen" is an English mispronunciation, usually used by Americans after the town in Florida.

 

[AngelAmidala]

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So he was saying it right!

Thanks Wols!!

/me will now say it properly too