Benozzo Gozzoli (1420–1497)

August 28th marks the feast of St. Augustine. Born over 1,500 years ago in 354, this Doctor of the Church had an immense impact on the Church throughout the centuries and still does today.

St. Augustine is well known for his famous writings such as the “Confessions” and “The City of God” but there is a smaller work of his that is foundationally important to many in religious life, including Pope Leo XIV's Augustinian order and our Community. Around the year 400, St. Augustine wrote the simple but powerful Rule of St. Augustine for the  community he established. This rule, one of the most ancient and venerable guides for religious life, has been adopted by many orders including the Augustinians, the Dominicans, and our Community.

Our Community's Constitutions summarize St. Augustine's rule as “…unity through charity, and pursuit of truth through learning.” This rule shows a profound understanding of the human person and emphasizes love of God through love of neighbor. Our Sisters owe a great debt of gratitude to our spiritual father, St. Augustine and the guidance he left for us in his rule.

"Before all else, dear brothers, love God
and then your neighbor, because these are the chief commandments given to us."
- Rule of St. Augustine, Chapter I

St. Augustine giving his rule. 
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528)