MAN BEHIND THE SAINT - GLIMPSES INSIDE A FRIENDSHIP

Written By Frank Connelly

We’re taking our time before getting into the “Vita” in earnest because it’s important to deeply understand the man who wrote this treasure - the only surviving book we have of Augustine as Bishop. What we find is a friendship that was bilateral and deeply personal, not just a professional association between bishops.

  • Hints and Evidence of a Deep Friendship: Beyond the Vita, their close bond is evidenced by a letter to Bishop Maceus where Augustine describes Possidius as "no small image of my own self". Other mentions include a greeting from Possidius in a letter from Volusianus and a reference in Augustine's City of God regarding relics Possidius brought to Calama.

  • Shared Life and Work: For at least their first five or six years together, they lived in the same house, shared meals, and prayed together. Their 38-year friendship continued even after Possidius moved 40 miles away to become Bishop of Calama, as they collaborated on council meetings and debated heretics side-by-side. A true brotherhood.

  • Updates: Tolle Lege: Dimensions, our newest offering turns a standard book club on its head! We’ll be kicking it off with a VERY special guest - hint: a modern friendship like Possidius and Augustine?

  • New Content Offerings: Coming Soon: "Made for More" section on their website featuring Augustinian narratives and exclusive interviews.

Frank Connelly
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READY SET GOSPEL: UNITY!