ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO HOUSE

Welcome to the homepage of St Augustine of Hippo House. Within our house, pupils understand that positive effort and attitude underpins all that we do at Archbishop Ilsley and will ultimately bring us success. Our dedicated team of tutors provide opportunities for all students to achieve.
Whether it is academically, spiritually or socially, every pupil in our house has something to offer. Our loyalty to one another and the support we provide gives all pupils the chance of fulfilling their amibitions.
As St Augustine taught us - we may not always get things right at first, yet by listening to others and persevering, we can all become better people.
WHO WAS ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO?

Feast Day: 28th August
Born: 324
Died: 430
St. Augustine was born in Tagaste in modern Algeria. This famous son of St. Monica spent many years living a wicked life and in false beliefs. He was one of the most intelligent persons who ever lived.
Augustine was brought up in a Christian atmosphere by his mother. But he became so proud and bad that in the end he could not see or understand holy truths anymore.
His mother Monica prayed daily for her son's conversion. The marvellous sermons of St. Ambrose made their impact too. Finally, Augustine became convinced that Christianity was the true religion.
Yet he did not become a Christian then, because he thought he could never live a pure life. Then one day, he heard about two men who had suddenly changed and became good Christians after reading the life of St. Anthony of the Desert.
Augustine felt ashamed. "What are we doing?" he cried to his friend Alipius. "Unlearned people are taking heaven by force. Yet we, with all our knowledge, are so weak that we keep rolling around in the mud of our sins!"
Full of bitter sorrow, Augustine went into the garden and prayed, "How much longer, Lord? Why don't I stop committing sins now?" Just then he heard a child singing, "Take up and read!"
Thinking that God wanted him to hear those words, he picked up the Bible and opened it. From then on, Augustine began a new life.
He was baptized and ordained a priest and later became a bishop. He was a famous Catholic writer and started the Augustinian order. He became one of the greatest saints who ever lived.
On the wall of his room, he had the following sentence written in large letters: "Here we do not speak evil of anyone." St. Augustine corrected strong false teachings, lived a simple life and cared for the poor.
He preached very often, and prayed with great feeling right up until his death. "Too late have I loved you," he once cried to God. But Augustine spent the rest of his life in loving God and leading others to love him, too.
HOUSE MOTTO, PRAYER AND COLOURS

Dear Heavenly Father
You told me to walk my path and you would walk with me. Help me to treat others with the respect and kindness they deserve.
Bless us with knowledge and help us to do well within school and out. Education is the key to the lock that is yet to be opened.
St Augustine, we hope that you will inspire us to follow your ways; to look upon the negatives, and as your House representatives, make change to make the world a better place.
Know in your heart, that God hates the sin, but loves the sinner. Help us to make the right choices and be the change you wish to see in the world.
Amen