Though Augustine relates other events in Book IX, he focuses on the death of his mother, (St.) Monica. Now that her son has fully converted to God, and safely rests in the arms of the church, Monica feels she has accomplished all she had to do on earth. She soon thereafter falls gravely ill, and serenely dies. However, before she goes, she and Augustine get to share an extended discussion about life and more at Ostia by the Sea. Augustine praises his mother and the life she led, prompting him, her husband, and many others to find Christ by the exemplary life she led. Though he rejoiced she went to be with the Lord, he finds he experiences deep pain at her loss, and concludes God accepts his loss since God is deeply compassionate.
Augustine also resolves several other matters. He leaves his career teaching rhetoric ("a salesman of loquacity"). He reexamines his studies in Manicheanism, and finds amazement that he ever believed it. He finally accepts baptism, and immerses himself in the study of Scripture, especially the Psalms.
Onto Book X
Back to Book VIII
