St. Augustine of Canterbury
Feast Day: May 27
“Take care to purify your intentions. Let your words be gentle, your actions humble, and your teaching faithful to the truth of Christ.” – St. Augustine of Canterbury
Apostle to the English
St. Augustine of Canterbury, a Benedictine monk and missionary, is honored as the Apostle of England, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, and the founder of the English Church. His feast day, celebrated on May 27, commemorates his faithful missionary work and leadership in bringing the Gospel to the English people.
A Missionary Sent by the Pope
Augustine was prior of the monastery of St. Andrew in Rome, living a quiet monastic life devoted to prayer and service. In 596 A.D., Pope St. Gregory the Great chose Augustine to lead a missionary delegation to England, then a pagan land.
The mission was daunting, and Augustine briefly considered turning back, but with the pope’s encouragement, he pressed forward in obedience and faith.
The Conversion of England Begins
Augustine arrived in Kent, the most open of the English kingdoms due to its queen, Bertha, a Christian Frankish princess married to King Ethelbert. With Bertha’s influence and Augustine’s gentle, humble approach, King Ethelbert welcomed the missionaries and eventually converted to Christianity, along with thousands of his people.
Augustine was consecrated as the first Archbishop of Canterbury, establishing the center of the Catholic Church in England.
Builder of the English Church
Augustine founded Canterbury Cathedral and other churches, trained local clergy, and worked to organize the growing Christian communities. He adapted Roman customs to the local culture where appropriate, always focused on winning hearts with charity and truth.
Despite some challenges in unifying with the older Celtic Christian communities in Britain, Augustine’s work laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity across England.
Patron of England and Missionaries
St. Augustine of Canterbury is the patron saint of England and English Catholics, as well as missionaries, reflecting his courage in leaving everything behind to preach the Gospel in a distant land.
A Witness to Evangelization with Charity and Patience
St. Augustine’s life reminds the faithful that missionary work requires humility, gentleness, patience, and unwavering trust in God’s providence. His legacy continues to inspire those spreading the Gospel to new places and cultures.
St. Augustine of Canterbury, pray for us!
