Born to a wealthy family at Trau, Dalmatia, about 1260, Augustine joined the Dominican Order at eighteen and was sent to Hungary. There his fine spiritual qualities brought him to the attention of the legate Cardinal Niccolo Boccasino, a fellow Dominican. Upon the latter's elevation to the Papacy as Benedict XI in 1303, Augustine was made Bishop of Zagreb.The new Bishop reformed the clergy, completed building the cathedral, and diligently brought about the spiritual renewal of the diocese and its people--while fending off the attacks of the hostile King of Dalmatia.
In time, Augustine was transferred to the See of Lucera in Sicily, where he continued his work of spiritual renewal, aided by his gift of healing. The Bishop also defended his flock from attacks against the Faith. He cared for the poor and needy and fostered devotion to Sts. Dominic, Thomas Aquinas, and Peter Martyr. He died in 1323 in the odor of sanctity. In 1702, Pope Clement XI reconfirmed his cults.
PRAYER: God, You made your Bishop, Blessed Augustine, an outstanding minister of Your Church by his prayer and pastoral zeal. Through his prayers grant that Your faithful flock may always find pastors after Your heart and salutary pastures. Amen.