Augustine's prayer to the Holy Spirit

Da David Sabbatini - March 13, 2023

Sant'Agostino (354-430) created this prayer at the Holy Spirit:

Breathe in me, oh Holy Spirit,
May my thoughts all be holy.
Act in me, oh Holy Spirit,
May my work be holy too.
Draw my heart, oh Holy Spirit,
So that I love what is holy.
Strengthen me, oh Holy Spirit,
To defend all that is holy.
Keep me, therefore, O Holy Spirit,
So that I can always be holy.

St. Augustine and the Trinity

The mystery of the Trinity has always been an important topic of discussion among theologians. St Augustine's contributions to the Church's understanding of the Trinity are considered to be among the greatest. In his book 'On the Trinity' Augustine described the Trinity in the context of relationship, combining the identity of the Trinity as 'one' with the distinction of the three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Augustine also explained the whole Christian life as communion with each of the divine persons.

St. Augustine and the Truth

St. Augustine wrote about his search for truth in his book Confessions. He spent his youth trying to understand God so he could believe. When Augustine finally came to believe in God, he realized that only when you believe in God can you begin to understand him. Augustine wrote of God in his Confessions with these words: «the most hidden and the most present; . . . firm and elusive, immutable and changeable; never new, never old; . . . always at work, always at rest; . . . he seeks and yet has all things. . . . ".

St. Augustine Doctor of the Church

The writings and teachings of St. Augustine are considered to be among the most influential in the history of the Church. Augustine has been appointed a Doctor of the Church, which means that the Church believes that his insights and writings are essential contributions to the teachings of the Church, such as original sin, free will, and the Trinity. His writings consolidated many of the Church's beliefs and teachings in the face of many religious heresies. Augustine was above all a defender of the truth and a shepherd for his people.