In The New Pope Leo's Devotion to St. Augustine, the speaker highlights why Confessions remains one of the most widely read spiritual works in history—because of Augustine’s deep insight into the human experience and his ability to express how ordinary aspects of life such as friendship, family, ambition, and personal struggle became avenues for encountering God. Pope Leo’s admiration for Augustine is rooted in this rich spirituality, which challenges the individualism of modern society by showing that true happiness cannot be found in fleeting pleasure or self-centered satisfaction. Augustine’s life and writings reveal that an authentic experience of God must involve love of neighbor, community, and self-transcendence—core elements of the Gospel that Pope Leo seeks to uphold in his own leadership and devotion.
Journal and reflect on the following
How does Saint Augustine’s journey from restlessness to faith reflect your own search for meaning or purpose?
In what ways can your personal experiences—both struggles and joys—become a window to encountering God?
What do you think Augustine means when he suggests that true happiness involves going beyond the self?
How might our modern understanding of happiness differ from the deeper joy Augustine speaks about?
Do you see your relationship with God as something individual, or also connected to how you treat others? Why?
What can Pope Leo’s devotion to Saint Augustine teach us about the importance of spiritual heritage and learning from the saints?
How can you be more intentional about seeking not just pleasure or comfort, but a life rooted in love, truth, and service?
Discuss
Song - Restless
Song - Fun to the Father
Final Prayer
Gracious God, we thank You for the witness of Pope Leo and his devotion to Saint Augustine, whose Confessions continue to echo through hearts longing for truth. Like Augustine, we too are restless until we rest in You. In a world that often confuses pleasure with purpose, help us to seek what is truly good, holy, and lasting. May Augustine’s journey inspire us to confront our own desires honestly, to embrace Your mercy, and to live not for ourselves but in love for You and our neighbor. Through the guidance of faithful shepherds like Pope Leo, lead us to deeper conversion, authentic joy, and a life poured out in service to Your kingdom. Amen.
