The pre-baptismal and mystagogical catechesis in Hippo in St. Augustine’s time

Abstract

St. Augustine, first as a presbyter then as a bishop of Hippo, prepared catechumens for baptism. In accordance with the practice of the Church of the time, this preparation took place during Lent. The proper preparation started more or less two weeks before the Easter Vigil. The most important elements of that preparation were so-called “traditio” and “redditio” of the Symbol and of the Lord’s Prayer. Catechumens had to learn these prayers by heart. The mystagogical catechesis started on Easter Sunday. In Hippo, if one can believe preserved texts, a Bishop gave only one sermon on the mystery of the baptism and one on the Eucharist. The other sermons during Easter Week were devoted to an interpretation of the Gospels saying about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.