Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine was born in Africa and was one of the three children of Saint Monica. He was a brilliant orator and thinker. He was relentless in seeking the meaning of life and was more influenced by the popular Roman spirituality of his time than the Christian faith of his mother Monica. He became a Manichean follower and lived a loose life. He fathered an illegitimate son which was a cause of sorrow to his mother. When Monica prayed for him, she was asked to be patient and not debate with him but that God would send someone else who would bring about his conversion.
Augustine went to Rome to study rhetoric and there he met Saint Ambrose who was the Bishop. Monica had previously requested Bishop Ambrose to talk to Augustine but he was unwilling because of Augustine's staunch belief in Manichean doctrines. However when Augustine met Bishop Ambrose in Rome they had many discussions on faith which had a profound impact on Augustine. 
One day when Augustine was reading the Word of God in the garden, he read the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans 13:12-14 "the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy." These words from the living word of God had a transformative effect on Augustine's heart. He could no longer continue to live the way he had been living. He was a totally new person and was baptized into the Christian faith. Saint Monica's prayers were answered. Augustine wanted to live a monastic life but he was asked to become the Bishop of Hippo. His literary works especially "Confessions" and "The City of God" are very edifying to read. He died at the age of 75. 
Saint Augustine gives us all hope that no matter how great the sin or the sinner, the mercy of God is sure to heal the wounds of sin and restore our friendship with God.