This Advent, on each Sunday, we will take a look at Saint Augustine’s thoughts on the Incarnation contained in his Sermon 191. Go here to read the first part of the sermon, here to read the second part and here to read the third part. The sermon concludes with Saint Augustine asking the nuns being consecrated to remember Mary: She in whose footsteps you are following had no human intercourse when she conceived; she remained a virgin when she brought forth her child. Imitate her as far as you can, not in her fecundity, because this is not in your power, but in the preservation of your virginity. She alone enjoyed both prerogatives; you have chosen one of them and you lose this one if you desire to possess both. She alone could be both virgin and mother because she brought forth the omnipotent Lord by whose power she thus miraculously conceived.

Saint Augustine on the Incarnation: Part IV – The American Catholic