12. Ep. 21.1–6 (CCL 31:48–51); trans. Parsons, FOTC 12:47–51. (continued)
of the Church's welfare, paid no attention to the tongues of detractors. He was satisfied in knowing that his presbyter was doing what he himself as bishop could not accomplish. Thus this burning and shining light was placed upon a candlestick to enlighten all who were in the house. News of this practice spread quickly, and because of Augustine's good example, other presbyters with episcopal authorization began to preach to the people in the presence of their bishops. . . .
(7) Publicly and privately, at home and in church, Augustine confidently taught and preached the word of salvation. Both his finished books and his extemporaneous sermons opposed the African heresies, especially Donatism, Manicheism, and paganism; at the same time, the Christians with unspeakable admiration and praise were not silent about the matter, but published it wherever possible. So by the grace of God, the Catholic Church in Africa began to raise its head. . . . Through the wondrous grace of God these writings came forth and flowed out with an abundance of instruction based on reason and with the authority of the Holy Scriptures. At these gatherings, whoever wished and was able to do so brought stenographers to take down what was said. In this way the glorious doctrine and sweet savor of Christ was manifested and spread throughout all Africa.13
Appointment as Coadjutor
Valerius was afraid that his talented presbyter would be recruited away to serve as bishop elsewhere. So in a move calculated to hold on to Augustine, he had him ordained as a coadjutor bishop—a move contrary, it turns out, to canonical practice. From Possidius of Calama, Life of St. Augustine:
(8) The venerable old man, Valerius, rejoiced more than others and gave thanks to God for the special blessings his church had received. He began to fear, however, for such is human nature, that some other church which lacked a bishop might seek Augustine for the episcopal office and so take him away. Indeed, that would have happened if the bishop himself, upon discovering the plan, had not taken precautions. He arranged that Augustine should go to a secret place and be hidden so that he could not be found by those who were seeking him. Nevertheless, the old man continued to fear, realizing his age and extreme infirmity. Consequently, he wrote a secret letter to the Bishop of Carthage, the episcopal primate, stressing the weakness of his body and the burden of his years, and for this reason he petitioned the appointment of Augustine as bishop of the church at Hippo. As such, Augustine would not [simply] be his successor, but would [also] be associated with him as coadjutor. Valerius's desire and request were answered by a satisfactory reply. Accordingly, to the astonishment
13. Vita 5–7 (Geerlings, 34–38); trans. Muller and Deferrari, FOTC 15:78–81 (modified).