Saint Heron And Other Black Saints You Probably Never Heard Of

St. Augustine (Augustine of Hippo)

While there are disputes as to whether St. Augustine was Black, we do know he was African. Viewed as one of the most important and influential Church Fathers of his time, St. Augustine first learned about God and Christianity from his mother, Monica. Born in Tegaste, Africa (present day Algeria) in 384, St. Augustine was highly educated and was considered a genius after having studied in Africa, the University of Carthage, and Rome. He lived an austere life and performed great acts of mortification and penance, but St. Augustine made a profound impact on the Early Church. Having written over a thousand letters and sermons and more than 250 books, St. Augustine is perhaps best known for two of his more popular works, “Confessions” and “City of God,” both of which are still read to this day.