Before he died, Augustine caused the clergy and people to select the deacon Haraclitus as his auxiliary and successor.
The Vandals invaded Africa and Count Boniface along with many bishops took refuge in the fortified city of Hippo. A short time after the Vandals besieged Hippo, Augustine became mortally sick and after three months of admirable patience and fervent prayer died ( August 28, 430 A.D.) at the age of 76. Possidius, his friend of 40 years who was present at his death has this to say, "He died with his body intact. He could still see and hear and his mind was clear to the very end. As we looked on and prayed for him he passed in sleep into the land of his ancestors, well-nourished in good old age". From the moment of his death Augustine was praised as a Saint and became a Saint by tradition and local determination. He was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Boniface VIII on Sept. 20, 1295 A.D. St. Augustine tomb is located above the altar of the Church of San Pietro in Ciel D'Oro in Pavia, Italy.
