The Augustinian Spirit or How to Renounce Manichaeism? Parallels between Bishops Augustine of Thagaste and Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago

Abstract

In order to investigate the meaning that the first pope of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) gave to the slogan «Augustinian spirit» that his pontificate embraced, this article suggests that such a spirit consists of overcoming the Manichaeism that characterizes contemporary societies. The search for unity over differences is demonstrated by establishing a parallel between the Roman citizen Aurelius Augustine, who embraced monasticism after abandoning Manichaeism until he was appointed bishop, and the American citizen who dedicated himself to preaching the gospel in Peru until he was appointed bishop of Chiclayo. This parallel between Friar Prevost and the Father of the Church is studied in three contexts. The global geostrategic context in which both are involved in a civilizational crisis that anticipates the end of a cycle. In the national or regional context, the dangers that both faces can be compared, amidst dangerous and violent antagonistic forces. Finally, to sustain the strength of faith and charity, both must struggle with the ambitio saeculi, which Saint Augustine analyzed in great depth in The Confessions.