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Top: Society: Religion: Christianity: Denominations: Catholicism: Religious Orders: Augustinians

[ history ]

Origins of

When St. Augustine of Hippo was ordained to the priesthood in 391 AD, he obtained a garden in the city of Hippo, where he built a monastery to house the lay community that he had been living with. The community had no particular religious vows, but owning property was strictly forbidden. He later wrote a rule of life for them, now called the Rule of St. Augustine. This rule was used by many communities and congregations as it spread throughout Africa and Europe. Although the rule was used all through the dark ages, until around the 12th century it was overshadowed by others such as the rule of St. Benedict. It wasn't until 1244 that an official Augustinian order came into being.

[ history ]

The Foundation

The Order of St. Augustine was founded in 1243 when Pope Innocent IV issued an edict ordering several Tuscan monasteries and eremetical communities to merge into one congregation observing the Rules of St. Augustine. The reasoning for the edict was that small communities were springing up all over Tuscany and Italy using the rule of St. Augustine, but keeping their former religious practices and modes of dress. This led to confusion with other orders and quarrels. To promote greater harmony, and put a stop to the disorganization and chaos, the edict was decided upon. The following year, 1244, a founding chapter was held, a Prior General elected, and the rules officially adopted. Thereafter the new congregation became known as The Hermits of the Order of St. Augustine.

[ history ]

based

1. http://www.aug.org/
2. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07281a.htm