The Feast of St Nicholas of Tolentine OSA
On Wednesday 9 September, we will celebrate the feast of St Nicholas of Tolentine OSA. Traditionally on this day we remember the deceased students, Old Boys, staff and Augustinian priests who served at our College over the years. At our Community Mass on Wednesday 9 September 8.10am, we will have special prayers and a memorial video in honour of those members of our community mentioned above. Due to our restricted numbers, this Mass will be broadcast via ZOOM for any parents, staff or members of our community who would like to tune in for this special occasion.
Join ZOOM Meeting
https://saintaug.zoom.us/j/345370109
Meeting ID: 345 370 109
Passcode: 051129
Patron’s Day – Facts About Saint Augustine
As part of our Patron’s Day celebrations, the boys learnt some interesting facts about Saint Augustine and his life. These facts were included in our Patron’s Day liturgy which all boys watched via ZOOM.
Here is a summary:
1-Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine was born on the 13 November in 354 AD in Thagaste, (modern-day Algeria) in the Roman province of Numidia. The Roman empire at the time was so large it included North Africa. His father, Patricius was a pagan and a Roman citizen. His mother, Monica, was a devout Christian.
2-Saint Monica
The mother of Saint Augustine is Saint Monica, who was an early Christian saint. She is remembered and honoured in the Catholic Church for her outstanding Christian virtues, and her prayerful life dedicated to her son Augustine. Our college chapel is named the Monica Chapel in her honour.
3-Augustine’s son – Adeodatus
Whilst at university Augustine began a relationship with a young woman in Carthage. Though they never married, Augustine was loyal to her for over fifteen years and she gave birth to his son Adeodatus which means "Gift from God."
4-Saint Augustine had a brilliant mind
Did you know that Saint Augustine is considered one of the greatest minds in history? He studied philosophy, theology, astronomy, mathematics, he was a teacher and a highly skilled public speaker. He wrote about sociology, morals and ethics. He was a prolific writer contributing more than 300 books in his lifetime.
5- Augustine chooses between playing ball and studying
When Augustine was a student, he was very much like boys today. He says “…we were less assiduous in reading, writing and concentrating on our studies than was expected of us. It was not that we lacked intelligence or ability ... it was simply that we loved to play.”
6-Did you know Saint Augustine was a doctor?
He was not a medical doctor as the name suggests, but a doctor of the church. This means that the Pope proclaimed him a doctor of the church because of the extraordinarily high value of his writings, which include major theological, philosophical, and spiritual works. Augustine wrote over 300 books!
7-Tolle Lege
Augustine was restless for both truth and faith for many years before he finally became a Christian. The moment of his conversion took place in a garden under a fig tree. Augustine was despondent and cried out to God for guidance. He heard a child’s voice chanting ‘Tolle Lege – Take and read’ So he opened a bible and there he read the words of Saint Paul. Augustine dedicated his entire life to God from this point.
8-The fall of Hippo
Shortly before Augustine's death, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe invaded Roman Africa. They destroyed the whole city of Hippo, but miraculously Augustine's cathedral and library were left untouched. We are very grateful today that his precious writings were preserved.
9-Did you know that we belong to a large Augustinian community?
Augustinian priests live and minister in over 40 countries on every continent. They help to spread the message of Jesus to many thousands of people. The Order of St Augustine is also involved in various faith, justice and mission projects in a variety of countries helping those in need. We really are part of a global community.
10-Augustine was a great traveller.
Saint Augustine was born in Thagaste in North Africa. He went to primary school there. He then went to Madaurus to attend secondary school. He attended university in Carthage; an important Roman port in Northern Africa. He then moved to Rome where he was a teacher of rhetoric. He then went to Milan as a public speaker. Augustine also went to Casiciacum, Ostia and of course he became the Bishop of Hippo. He learnt a lot on his travels and met people who helped to shape his life.
Term 3 Community Mass Schedule
Wednesday 9 September – 7 Heavey 1&2 Feast of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine
Wednesday 16 September – 7 Hutchinson 1&2