Called "the best disciple of Augustine," Saint Prosper of Aquitaine devoted his life to defending Augustine's doctrines of grace and predestination against those who opposed it. Prosper was a layman living with monks at Marseilles, who initially disagreed with Augustine's theology of grace and predestination. To strengthen his arguments, Prosper wrote to Augustine, who responded with letters that are now known as "On the Predestination of the Saints" and "On the Gift of Perseverance."

In 431, the year after Augustine's death, Proper and a friend named Hilary travelled to Rome to ask Celestine I, who had praised Augustine, to proclaim the truth of his teachings. Prosper wrote theological poems and authored a chronicle of world history that incoroporated the histories of Jerome, Sulpicius Severus, and Orosius.

Prosper's history ends with the Vandal sack of Rome (455). The work is now a valuable source for the theological history of the 5th Century. Cassiodorus and Paul the Deacon edited and rewrote Prosper's work. Prosper's selections from the writings of Augustine were the basis of the decrees of the 529 Council of Orange.

Prosper of Aquitaine was much more famous for what he wrote than for what he did." Most of his works were aimed at defending and distribution Augustine's teachings, especially those pertaining to grace and free will. Following Augustine's death in 430, Prosper continued to disseminate his teachings and spent his life working to make them acceptable.

Prosper also played a vital role in the Pelagian controversy in southern Gaul in the 420's. With the help of Augustine and Pope Celestine, Prosper was able to put down revolutions of the Pelagian Christians.

Other Saints of the Day

1. Saint William of Vercelli
2. Saint Adalbert
3. Saint Dominic Henares
4. Saint Gallicanus

Click here to read related articles