The 15th Annual Augustinian Address is slated for Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m., at Bishop Baker Parish Center , 267 St. George Street. Prior to the Address, Bishop Felipe J. Estévez will preside over Solemn Vespers (evening prayers) at 6 p.m., at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine.

This year’s Augustinian Address will be delivered by Augustinian Father Michael Di Gregorio, who was recently installed as the Order of St. Augustine’s Prior Provincial for the St. Thomas of Villanova Province in Philadelphia. Father Di Gregorio will discuss, “Monica and Augustine: Mother of Hope, Son of Desire.”

The annual celebration takes place on the feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo, a 4th century bishop of the Church and the namesake for the city of St. Augustine. Popularly known as the sinner turned saint, Augustine of Hippo rejected the Catholic faith for many years. Eventually he found his way back to Catholicism and became one of the church’s most profound theologians. It is said his mother, Monica, prayed daily for his conversion back to his faith.

It was on his feast day that Pedro Menéndez de Avilés first sited land off the East Coast of Florida. Each year, the Cathedral celebrates the patronal feast day with special liturgies and the annual Augustinian Address.

Father Di Gregorio has done advanced studies in Augustinian Spirituality and has spent several years as Director of Formation for novices and pre-novices. He has vast experience working with the Augustinian Movement. He is the author of several books on Augustinian themes.

For more information on Augustinian Day and the Address, call (904) 824-2806.