Late have I loved Thee, O Thou Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved Thee! Thou wert within me, but I was outside myself, and it was there that I searched for Thee.



In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.



From the Confessions of our holy father Saint Augustine, whose memorial and feast is celebrated on 28 August. His mother Saint Monica, that model of patience, devotion and intercessory prayer, is remembered today, 27 August.



This only do I know, that it is not good for me when Thou art not with me, when Thou art only outside me. I want Thee in my very self. All the plenty in the world which is not my God is utter want.



Other hymns in his honor are also in my mind, but here is a link to the great hymn of Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan and spiritual father of Saint Augustine, the Doctor of Grace.



O Lux Beata Trinitas.