Augustine was born in 354 at Tagaste, (now called Souk Ahras, Algeria) in North Africa, the son of Patricius, a non-believer, and his devout Catholic wife, Monica. Though he was enrolled as a catechumen by his mother when he was a boy, Augustine's baptism was deferred to a later time in accordance with the prevailing custom. From his earliest years, Augustine possessed an inquisitive mind and an attractive personality and set his sights on a career that would bring him both wealth and fame, goals that were heartily endorsed by his parents, who sought out opportunities to provide their son with the finest education possible.