Feast of Saint Augustine of Canterbury
(d. 604 A.D.)
St. Augustine of Canterbury, also known as St. Austin, was prior of a monastery in Rome before being called by Pope Gregory the Great to be a missionary to the British Isles. The Pope received word that the pagans of Britain would embrace the faith in great numbers if priests were sent to teach them, and previous missionaries had been unsuccessful in the holy endeavor. In order to realize the Holy Father’s desire to evangelize the island, Augustine set out on a new quest at the head of forty monks in 596 A.D. When they arrived in France they heard stories of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons. Out of fear, Augustine returned to Rome and asked the Pope to release him from the mission. Pope Gregory encouraged Augustine in his task and sent him back. When the monks landed in Kent they were treated kindly. The King of Kent himself accepted baptism and set up a residence for St. Augustine in Canterbury. There Augustine established a church and monastery as the center of his apostolic mission. Although his labor among the pagans was slow and difficult, his work bore much fruit and England eventually became a Christian nation. Augustine was the first Archbishop of Canterbury, England, and is known as the “Apostle of England.”
His feast day is May 27th.
Credit: https://www.MorningOffering.com Morning Offering is among the family of brands of The Catholic Company, a leading online and catalog retailer of high quality Catholic books and gifts. For these and other faith based Catholic items please visit our friends at The Catholic Company or your local Catholic bookstore. Information herein posted under the "rules of fair use" to foster education and discussion in accordance with Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976.
He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps not leaps.”
Saint Augustine of Canterbury
Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.”
Saint Augustine of Canterbury
St. Augustine of Canterbury, Apostle of England, pray for us.
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family pray for us. Amen.
