Comments on: Together to God: The Augustinian Spiritual Journey http://www.spirhealth.com/together-to-god/ ...fostering health in mind, body and spirit Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:43:47 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: paul http://www.spirhealth.com/together-to-god/comment-page-1/#comment-161 paul Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:45:49 +0000 http://www.spirhealth.com/?p=422#comment-161 Dave, Alypius, along with Adeodatus (Augustine's son) were baptized together by Bishop Ambrose in Milan. Shortly after this they headed back to Africa to form a small religious community of friends that they called "Servants of God." After Augustine was "grabbed" to be made a bishop by the congregation at Hippo (the way they chose bishops then!), Alypius later was made a bishop himself in a nearby city. They remained friends throughout the rest of their lives, but we have few letters on record from them to each other. Dave,
Alypius, along with Adeodatus (Augustine’s son) were baptized together by Bishop Ambrose in Milan. Shortly after this they headed back to Africa to form a small religious community of friends that they called “Servants of God.” After Augustine was “grabbed” to be made a bishop by the congregation at Hippo (the way they chose bishops then!), Alypius later was made a bishop himself in a nearby city. They remained friends throughout the rest of their lives, but we have few letters on record from them to each other.

]]> By: Dave http://www.spirhealth.com/together-to-god/comment-page-1/#comment-159 Dave Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:16:02 +0000 http://www.spirhealth.com/?p=422#comment-159 Hello everyone, Here is a note Fr. Paul received in response to the "Together to God" post. Enjoy! Peace, Dave ---- Hi Paul, While thinking about Augustine and his friend Alypius, I couldnt help but relate the story of their conversion to that which runs through the AA/NA programs. 'Together to God' is really not so different to the sentiment of Step Twelve. I can only think that given your ministry, this connection is no accident. I've always privately thought of Augustine as a bit of a candidate for NA and sometimes I super simplify what Paul has told me of his life to try and inspire sponsees. In my version of his life, Augustine was this guy who ran around doing whatever he liked for ages (this is a good place to embellish). Meanwhile (back home) his mum patiently prayed for him to get it together. Of course he did and what things he wound up doing - he ended up being one of history's most important figures. A lot of addicts also have a Monica in their lives. My mother is one example of many. Now with your explanation of the conversion - my story can include him getting clean with his buddy Alypius. Its the story of Gus and Al. I'll be dropping by regularly and checking out whats going on at the Spiritual Health Centre. Paul M and the Augustinians have been very kind to me these last 19 years of recovery and I am restless for more. Warmly, Mark Hello everyone,

Here is a note Fr. Paul received in response to the “Together to God” post.
Enjoy!

Peace,
Dave

—-
Hi Paul,

While thinking about Augustine and his friend Alypius, I couldnt help but relate the story of their conversion to that which runs through the AA/NA programs. ‘Together to God’ is really not so different to the sentiment of Step Twelve. I can only think that given your ministry, this connection is no accident.

I’ve always privately thought of Augustine as a bit of a candidate for NA and sometimes I super simplify what Paul has told me of his life to try and inspire sponsees. In my version of his life, Augustine was this guy who ran around doing whatever he liked for ages (this is a good place to embellish). Meanwhile (back home) his mum patiently prayed for him to get it together. Of course he did and what things he wound up doing – he ended up being one of history’s most important figures. A lot of addicts also have a Monica in their lives. My mother is one example of many. Now with your explanation of the conversion – my story can include him getting clean with his buddy Alypius. Its the story of Gus and Al.

I’ll be dropping by regularly and checking out whats going on at the Spiritual Health Centre. Paul M and the Augustinians have been very kind to me these last 19 years of recovery and I am restless for more.

Warmly,
Mark

]]> By: dstys http://www.spirhealth.com/together-to-god/comment-page-1/#comment-152 dstys Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:37:30 +0000 http://www.spirhealth.com/?p=422#comment-152 Fr Paul, Great essay! I wonder what became of Alypius after his conversion. Educate me! Dave Fr Paul,

Great essay!
I wonder what became of Alypius after his conversion. Educate me!

Dave

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