Happy Feast-day!
Today, the Augustinian Family around the world celebrates the Feast of our Spiritual Founder, St. Augustine. Many men who followed the Rule of St. Augustine—including those early hermits who lived in the deserts—paved the way for what would become a unified community. Pope Alexander IV and Pope Innocent IV played instrumental roles in bringing together these small, independent communities of hermits. This effort culminated in the Grand Union of 1256 which gave birth to the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine—a community marked by pastoral ministry, contemplation, interiority, and a spiritual life rooted in fraternal love and unity.
This year, the Order has been doubly blessed with the election of the first Augustinian Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. He brings with him the rich ideals of Augustinian spirituality and a renewed vision for the Church, emphasizing the beauty of love, unity, fraternity, and communion. These are the hallmarks of the Augustinian way of life, to which we are all invited: journeying together on the path toward God.
St. Augustine of Hippo, who lived from November 13, 354, to August 28, 430, was a man of profound insight born from personal experience. He attested that true purity of heart and chastity of body emerge through an inner struggle. His journey led him to a deep integration of love—within himself, in his relationship with God, and with others. As he writes in Confessions (Book X, 29): “Truly it is by continence that we are made as one and regain that unity of self which we lost by falling apart in the search for a variety of pleasures. For a man loves You so much the less if, besides You, he also loves something else which he does not love for Your sake.”
As religious who profess the vow of chastity, I understand that this is not merely about renouncing carnal intimacy, but about discovering a true love of self—a love that naturally overflows in selfless service to others. In this way, I become a witness to the power of loving one’s neighbor, made possible by the immense grace of God through Jesus, who communes with the redeemed sinner. St. Augustine not only teaches virtue; he also reveals the importance of integrating life’s experiences—personal and universal—into a deeper, more human expression of goodness and faith.
In today’s Gospel, the Evangelist John presents these words of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).
Pause and reflect: Jesus said this to His disciples then—“I am the Good Shepherd”—and He still says it to us now. There is no doubt His disciples heard Him clearly.
So, what does the Good Shepherd do for His sheep—for His followers, His disciples? He lays down His life for them—for you and for me.
But what have we done to deserve such a profound invitation and gift? Nothing but Jesus, laying down His life for us to give us a second, or a third chances.
Most of the time, we are not truly worthy of such a Savior. I cannot imagine the depth of Christ’s impact on St. Augustine—or on our own lives.
One aspect of being a good shepherd, as Jesus describes, involves knowing one’s flock (John 10:14). This knowledge is vital, for it helps protect the sheep from harm. As a bishop, St. Augustine embodied this pastoral care. At Cassiciacum, a place of retreat, and there too in Hippo, he nurtured his companions, helping them live in community and embrace new possibilities. Through shared life and dialogue, they discovered the truth—and ultimately, God in the Scriptures.
By listening to their shepherd, the sheep remain safe—but the metaphor goes deeper. The relationship between the shepherd and the sheep is built on trust, listening, and love. Relationships grow when we follow the Good Shepherd in faith. Jesus’ model of love through genuine relationships is one we are called to live out—especially in today’s world, as Pope Leo XIV continues to remind us.
As we near the conclusion of this meaningful two-week Midlife Integration Process, I truly believe that St. Augustine stands as an icon of the restored human being. He exemplifies the integration of personal transformation—embracing change, self-knowledge, and spiritual awareness—to grow in well-being through God’s grace and intimate encounter.
Augustine’s famous reflection captures the heart of his journey: “I searched for You outside myself and, disfigured as I was, I fell upon the lovely things of Your creation. You were with me, but I was not with You. The beautiful things of this world kept me far from You—and yet, if they had not been in You, they would have had no being at all” (Confessions X, 27).
Through his humility and total surrender to God, Augustine contributed immensely to the Church and to the world. He was a holy and faithful shepherd—worthy of our imitation.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
Fr. Arlon, OSA
