EUROPE/ITALY - Relics of Saint Augustine of Hippo brought to Rome to mark the 1650th anniversary of his birth in 354

Rome (Fides Service) - At the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio in Rome excited crowds gathered last Sunday evening, November 7, to welcome relics of Saint Augustine brought to Rome from Pavia on the occasion of the 1650th anniversary of the Saint’s birth in Thagaste, north Africa. At the door of the church one of the local Augustinian Brothers read a message of joy and gratitude on behalf of the Augustinian community of Rome. The relics were then carried in procession to the high altar where Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, presided a solemn liturgy of Vespers. The relics were then placed in a side chapel dedicated to the Bishop of Hippo, not far from the chapel where the relics of his mother Saint Monica are laid to rest. The relics will remain in Rome for a week, until 15 November. For the occasion a series of initiatives, meetings, prayers, have been organised. On one day during the week the relics will be carried to the Pope’s private chapel in the Vatican. (P.L.R.) (Agenzia Fides 9/11/2004 - Righe 15; Parole 193)