Father Augustine Wetta is a dynamic monk, teacher, author, and speaker whose life and work blend faith, creativity, and humor. A member of Saint Louis Abbey in Missouri, he has dedicated his life to education and ministry while pursuing a host of unconventional interests. Known for his bestselling books Pray. Think. Act, The Eighth Arrow, and Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem, Father Augustine has reached audiences worldwide, with his works translated into five languages and Humility Rules selling over 100,000 copies.
Father Augustine Wetta grew up on the sun-drenched shores of Galveston Island, Texas. It was there that he learned to surf, an activity he remains passionate about to this day. His adventurous spirit also led him to a stint as a lifeguard for the Galveston Sheriff’s Department Beach Patrol, during which he narrowly escaped a shark attack—a story that made him the top search result for "surfing monk" online. In addition to his aquatic adventures, his early pursuits included working as a professional juggler with “The Flying Fettuccine Brothers” and serving as an archaeologist at the Agora in Athens, Greece.
Father Augustine’s academic credentials are as impressive as his life story. He holds a BA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, an MA in English from Middlebury College, and two degrees in Theology from Oxford University. His scholarly background informs his teaching and writing, which combine intellectual depth with relatable insights. For over 20 years, he has taught English, Classics, and Theology at The Priory School in Saint Louis, where he also coached rugby and served as Director of Chaplaincy. In recognition of his contributions, he was named a Portsmouth Institute Senior Fellow in 2019.
His literary accolades are numerous. At the Antioch Writers' Workshop in 2014, Father Augustine became the first participant to win both the Judson Jerome Poetry Award and the Bill Baker Award for Fiction. The following year, he received the Taliaferro Award for Memoir Writers at the San Francisco Writers Conference and was a finalist for the Emerging Writer Award. These achievements highlight his ability to connect with readers through storytelling, whether he is writing about spiritual wisdom, fantastical adventures, or relatable human experiences.
Father Augustine’s books reflect his diverse interests and unique perspective. Pray. Think. Act offers a decision-making framework inspired by the Desert Fathers, The Eighth Arrow reimagines Dante’s Inferno as a thrilling prison-break story, and Saving Grace is a heartwarming children’s book about a three-legged turtle. Meanwhile, Humility Rules adapts the Rule of Saint Benedict into a humorous yet profound guide to self-esteem.
Off the page, Father Augustine’s speaking engagements cover a wide range of topics, from practical decision-making with the Desert Fathers to navigating modern challenges with Benedictine wisdom. His talk “Don’t Follow Your Dreams” unpacks the Rule of Saint Benedict for today’s young adults, offering an antidote to the stress and anxiety plaguing modern society. Another popular presentation, “Fail! Life Lessons from Losers, Has-Beens, Nobodies, and Other Great Saints,” explores how embracing failure can lead to spiritual growth.
In his spare time, Father Augustine continues to explore his varied interests, including raising carnivorous plants, carpenter ants, and crafting armor. He hosts a blog titled “Disagreement” with Islamic social activist Umar Lee and is a regular contributor to Our Sunday Visitor. His media appearances include EWTN, Saint Joseph Radio, and numerous podcasts and vlogs.
Despite his many roles and accolades, Father Augustine remains grounded in his monastic vocation and a deep commitment to sharing the joy and wisdom of his faith. Whether teaching high school students, coaching rugby, or writing about humility, he embodies a Benedictine approach to life—rooted in prayer, community, and a touch of humor.
