Saint Alypius of Thagaste

Life story

He was born around 360 (no exact date is recorded) into an aristocratic family in Thagaste, a small town in the Roman province of Africa Proconsularis. He studied under Augustine in Carthage, and Augustine called him “the brother of my heart”.

In 384 he joined Augustine in Milan and was part of the circle around Augustine's conversion in 386, according to the Confessions. Both were baptised by Ambrose at the Easter vigil in April 387. He then returned to Thagaste and helped Augustine found a monastery there.

In 394 he became bishop of Thagaste. In 411 he was chosen, with Augustine and Possidius, to represent the Catholic bishops at the meeting with the Donatists in Carthage. He died around 430. Our knowledge of him comes mostly from Augustine's letters and writings, so his biography is thin. Nearly everything known about him comes through Augustine's writings, so he is always seen through the eyes of that close friend.

Works and witness

• Studied under Augustine in Carthage and became his close friend
• Baptised with Augustine by Ambrose in Milan in 387
• Helped found the monastery at Thagaste
• Bishop of Thagaste from 394
• Represented the Catholic bishops at the Donatist conference in Carthage in 411

Saints from the same country

Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Monica, Blessed Christian de Chergé and the Martyrs of Algeria, Saint Optatus of Milevis

References

• Catholic Encyclopedia (1913), "St. Alypius" (newadvent.org/cathen/01374c.htm)
• Augustine, Confessions, books 6-8

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.