Staff members of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, joined the global Augustinian community to mark the Feast Day of Saint Augustine of Hippo, a celebrated scholar and doctor of the Church in Catholic history.

The celebration took place on Thursday, 28th August, 2025, at the Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church (Weekday Chapel) with a Holy Mass.

In his homily, the University Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye reflected on the virtues of St. Augustine and called on the congregation to embrace steadfastness in faith, prayerfulness, and spiritual readiness. He reminded the faithful of the significance of constant preparation and encouraged them to positively influence those around them through the Word of God, just as St. Monica nurtured the faith of her son, St. Augustine.

Every August 28 marks the Feast of St Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of brewers because of his conversion from a former life of loose living, which included parties, entertainment, and worldly ambitions.

Augustine was a prolific writer, an accomplished preacher, a monastic leader, a theologian, pastor, contemplative, and mystic. 

He was baptised, became a priest, a bishop, a famous Catholic writer, Founder of religious priests, and one of the greatest saints that ever lived. He became very devout and charitable, too. 

He died on 28th August, 430AD at almost 76 years of age, as North Africa was being invaded by the Vandals and the Church there was being devastated. 

His remains were taken to Sardinia and later to Pavia, Italy, where they are now preserved in the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro. 

Augustine University was named after Saint Augustine, preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church and the patron of the Augustinians.

His memorial is celebrated on 28th August, the day of his death.