“Thou shalt not be found without the friendship of thy neighbor where thou shalt have God for thy friend.” St. Augustine (S 299D,6). Today we celebrate the liturgical memorial of Saints Alipius and Posidius, friends of St. Augustine and patrons of the Augustinian Recollect Youth. Those who left their mark for their close fraternity and Christian dedication.
Both were disciples of Augustine, shared his pastoral concerns and collaborated in his doctrinal controversies.
Because of the closeness of AgustÃn and their life stories, their memory has become intertwined and inextricably associated with that of AgustÃn. One has remained forever as a dear friend, “the brother of my heart”, as the saint would say; and the other, as the most authoritative biographer, “my holy brother and friend”.
San Alipio, of friends and gladiators
As he strolled through the forum of Tagaste, the city where he was born and served as bishop for more than twenty years, St. Alypius recalled his youth and an event that had left an indelible mark on his memory.
He remembered how, on an afternoon in Carthage, he was involved in a compromising situation due to a misunderstanding. As he watched a young man running away accompanied by a child, moved by curiosity, he decided to follow them. However, his act of curiosity led him to find himself in the middle of a mix-up: he was accused of theft due to the presence of an axe and pieces of metal near him.
Despite his innocence, Alipio found himself in a compromising situation. It was thanks to the intervention of a respected architect from Carthage that he was acquitted of the unjust accusations.
Alipio’s life was marked by his friendship with St. Augustine, another illustrious inhabitant of Tagaste. Although they had moments of estrangement, their friendship withstood the tests of time and adversity.
St. Augustine profoundly influenced Alipio’s life, especially in his struggle against his weakness for gladiatorial spectacles. Although initially caught up in the fascination of these violent events, Augustine’s words acted as a catalyst for his change.
Together with Augustine, Alypius retired to Cassiciacus to prepare for baptism. After receiving it in Milan, he decided to dedicate his life to the service of God, renouncing his former worldly customs and aspirations.
The monastic life provided Alipio with an environment conducive to his spiritual growth. He spent years at Tagaste, where he shared experiences and reflections with Augustine and other fellow monks.
After Augustine’s departure for Hippo, Alypius became the prior of the monastery of Tagaste. However, his monastic life would soon give way to a new challenge: the episcopate.
Alipio was elected bishop of his hometown, Tagaste, at a time of changes and challenges for the Church. Together with Augustine, he fought to protect his flock from the external threats and heresies that arose in those turbulent times.
St. Posidius, biographer and librarian
From the deck of the ship that was carrying him to his exile on the island of Sardinia, St. Posidius gazed longingly at the African coasts. He recalled his life in Calama, the city where he was born and served as bishop.
From a young age, Posidius showed a deep interest in religious life and the study of the Scriptures. He entered the monastery of San Felix de Bilibio, where he received a solid spiritual and academic formation.
After completing his training, Posidius was ordained a priest and excelled as an eloquent preacher and dedicated pastor. His deep knowledge of the Scriptures and his pastoral charity made him a respected figure in the local church.
Posidius’ life took a significant turn when he was appointed bishop of Calama, his hometown. This appointment was received with great joy by the Christian community, who saw in him a wise and pious leader.
As bishop, Posidius strove to promote unity and peace among the faithful, as well as to defend the faith against the heresies that arose at that time. His dedication and service to the Church were examples of virtue and Christian commitment.
One of the main concerns of St. Posidius was the formation of the faithful and the preservation of the cultural and spiritual patrimony of the Church. He founded libraries and promoted the study of the Scriptures and the works of the Fathers of the Church.
Throughout his life, Posidius maintained a close relationship with St. Augustine, whom he admired and considered his spiritual mentor. Together they shared experiences and reflections on faith and pastoral ministry.
At a time of change and challenges for the Church, Posidius remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to Christ. His life and work continue to be an inspiring testimony of faithfulness and devotion in difficult times.
Enrique Eguiarte BendÃmez, OAR