Relic of Augustine of Hippo

The Cathedral Basilica of St Augustine will welcome a major relic of Augustine of Hippo, a 5th-century bishop and author of the first autobiography of the Western world. A relic is a part of a holy person's body, usually part of the bone, kept for the purpose of veneration. Veneration of relics has been a part of Christian tradition since the Early Church, and is seen as a way of honoring the sacrifice of martyrs or people like Augustine of Hippo who lived their life entirely for Jesus Christ. The city of St. Augustine, Florida, was spotted on the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo in August, thus giving the city its name. The visiting relic represents an important piece of the history of the nation's oldest city, and a reminder of the community's Christian origins.

Arrival

The relic will arrive and officially receive its welcoming at the Cathedral on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. A public ceremony will be held to welcome it starting at 7 p.m. The ceremony will not be a Mass, and everyone is invited to attend.

The relic will make its home at the Cathedral, including during Celebrate 450, until the end of September.

Wednesdays with Augustine

During Wednesdays with Augustine, the Cathedral will hold an open time for veneration of the relic starting at 7 p.m. Veneration will include a teaching about St. Augustine, as well as an intercessory prayer.

Schedule
July 15, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
September 2, 9, 16, 23

Augustinian Mission

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine will hold a parish Mission, or lecture series, on the teachings and life of Augustine of Hippo. The Mission will be led by Augustinian Father Art Purcaro each morning at 9 a.m. and evening at 7 p.m. on July 20, 21, and 22. Opportunities will be available for prayer, confession and veneration of the relic.

Feast Day of Augustine of Hippo

August 28 is the feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo, and the day Menendez first sighted the land that would become St. Augustine, Florida. Vespers, or evening prayer, will be celebrated at 6 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine with Bishop Felipe J. Estévez as the presider and homilist. Dr. Afterwards, Michael Francis will deliver the 16th Annual Augustinian Address at 7 p.m. in the Bishop Baker Parish Center, 257 St. George Street, St. Augustine.

Young Adult Night

A young adult night will be held on August 29 at 5 p.m. with the relic of Augustine of Hippo for ages 18-35. The event will feature a Mass led by newly ordained Father Lawrence Peck and Father Rich Pagano of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Palm Coast. There will be praise and worship, and a telling of the life of sinner-turned-saint, Augustine of Hippo. Confession will be available.

Cover photo taken by Jennifer Lynn Cornwell.