Saint Augustine of Canterbury

Biography

Saint Augustine of Canterbury, also known as the Apostle to the Anglo-Saxons and the Apostle to the English, was born in Rome, Italy. Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that he belonged to the noble class. He led a pious life and eventually became a monk and the abbot of Saint Andrew's Abbey in Rome. In the year 597, Pope Saint Gregory the Great appointed Augustine, along with forty brother monks, including Saint Lawrence of Canterbury, to undertake the important mission of evangelizing the pagan Anglo-Saxons in the British Isles. However, before reaching their destination, they heard terrifying tales of the Celts and the dangers they might face there. Filled with fear, Augustine and his companions returned to Rome, seeking guidance from Pope Gregory. The pope, understanding the significance of their mission, encouraged Augustine not to abandon the task. He reminded Augustine that they were undertaking this mission for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, and that they must not give in to fear. Strengthened by the pope's words, Augustine and his fellow monks set out once again for the British Isles. Upon arriving in England, they were welcomed by King AEthelberht, who was married to a Christian princess from the Frankish kingdom. Through their interactions with the king, Augustine and his companions were able to spread the message of Christianity and gain converts. King AEthelberht himself embraced the faith and brought thousands of his people into the Church through baptism. In recognition of his dedication and successful efforts to establish and spread Christianity in England, Augustine was ordained as a bishop in Gaul (modern France) by the Archbishop of Arles. He became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, playing a crucial role in the foundation of the Church in England. Although Augustine desired to establish uniformity of liturgy and practices between the Celtic and Latin churches, he faced challenges in achieving this goal. Nonetheless, he worked diligently to re-establish contact and foster cooperation between the two branches of Christianity. He collaborated closely with Saint Justus of Canterbury in overseeing the growth and administration of the Church in England. Saint Augustine of Canterbury's influence and impact were significant, laying the foundation for Christianity in England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is still regarded as occupying the Chair of Augustine, which symbolizes the continuity of his legacy in the Anglican Church. Saint Augustine is often depicted in iconography as a bishop baptizing a king, symbolizing his instrumental role in the conversion of King AEthelberht and the subsequent spread of Christianity in England. He passed away on 26 May 605 in Canterbury, England, due to natural causes. His relics were interred outside the church of Saints Peter and Paul in Canterbury, a building project that he had initiated. While his canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Augustine is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church. Saint Augustine of Canterbury is revered as the patron saint of England, and his feast day is commemorated on 27 May (or 28 May on some calendars), and 26 May in England and Wales. His life and mission remain an inspiration to those who seek to spread the Gospel and preserve the faith.