New Discovery of 2 Unknown Sermons of St. Augustine Explaining a Difficult Passage from the Old Testament

An extraordinary discovery! Unknown sermons of St. Augustine discovered

A real treat for history and theology enthusiasts! In the 12th-century manuscript 114 (195) stored at the Bishop JB Szlaga Diocesan Library in Pelplin, researchers have discovered two completely new, previously unknown sermons by St. Augustine – one of the most important thinkers in the history of the Church.

It all started with a seemingly ordinary request to decipher an ancient text, and ended with an international philological success .

What do the newly discovered texts hide?

The sermons explore the biblical story of the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-25), who, at King Saul's request, summons the spirit of the prophet Samuel. In them, Augustine grapples with difficult questions:
How was it possible for a spirit-caller to have the power to summon the holy prophet? Was this simply a fraud, or a hidden plan from God?

Interestingly, the texts perfectly capture St. Augustine's "style and humor." Instead of providing ready-made answers, the Doctor of the Church presents various interpretations and leaves listeners room for their own reflections.

How did researchers become certain?

Because forgeries are so common in the world of scholarship, the authenticity of the texts was meticulously analyzed. At the end of 2025, a special symposium was organized in Vienna – a group of over twenty eminent Latinists from across Europe unanimously confirmed: this is the original Augustine!

When is the premiere?

The texts have survived the centuries (most likely as copies of a manuscript from Germany that was burned in the 17th century). Currently, researchers at the University of Würzburg are working on their first critical edition. Official publication is planned for the end of 2026.

The article about the discovery published by the above-mentioned University can be found at this address: link

We also refer you to the post on Facebook published by Mr. Dawid Gospodarek: link

https://biblioteka.diecezja-pelplin.pl/wydarzenia/niezwykle-odkrycie-odnaleziono-nieznane-kazania-sw-augustyna/