Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Little is known about his early life, but it is believed that Augustine belonged to the noble class and was born in the early 6th century in Rome, Italy. He led a pious life. Augustine was believed to have been a pupil of Felix, bishop of Messana, Sicily. Eventually, he became a monk and later the abbot of St Andrew’s Abbey in Rome.

Missionary for the British Isles

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, usually known as the Gregorian Mission, of evangelizing the pagan Anglo-Saxons in the British Isles. Augustine’s mission to England was part of the larger Gregorian Mission, initiated by Pope Gregory the Great to evangelize the pagan peoples of Europe.

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 Saint Gregory the Great. Understanding the significance of their mission, Pope Saint Gregory encouraged Augustine not to abandon the task stating “It is better never to undertake any high enterprise than to abandon it once it has started.” He reminded Augustine that they were undertaking this mission for the glory of God and the salvation of souls saying “The greater the labor, the greater will be the glory of your eternal reward.” 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. After crossing the English Channel, Augustine and his companions arrived at Ebbsfleet (on the isle of Thanet) in Kent in 597.

Based in Canterbury

“Your words are fair, but of doubtful meaning; I cannot forsake what I have so long believed. But as you have come from far we will not molest you; you may preach, and gain as many as you can to your religion.” These were the words of greeting in the summer of 597 by King Æthelberht, Isle of Thanet, to Augustine. sent there by Pope Gregory the Great to evangelize the English.

King Æthelberht, whose Frankish wife Bertha was a Christian, welcomed them. They were allowed to base their mission at the ancient church of Saint Martin in Canterbury, which was restored for their use.

At first, the king was reluctant to give up his pagan beliefs, but he promised not to harm them, and to supply them with whatever they needed. He also promised that he would not prevent them from preaching Christianity.

King Converted

Augustine’s patience, diplomatic skills, and dedication eventually led to the conversion of King Æthelberht, along with many of his subjects.

Bishop

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, Saint Virgilius. Returning to Britain, Augustine threw himself into the work of evangelizing the country with renewed zeal. Since Augustine was so successful in making converts, he sent to Rome for more assistance. Among those who responded were Saint Mellitus, Saint Justus, and Saint Paulinus, who brought with them sacred vessels, altar cloths, and books.

Built Cathedral

Augustine promoted the establishment of monasteries and churches throughout the country, which became central to the spread of Christianity across England. He built Christ Church, predecessor of the present cathedral at Canterbury, and consecrated it on June 9, 603. In addition, he also founded the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul east of the city, which later became St Augustine’s Abbey.

Augustine’s patience became well known, as is illustrated by an episode that occurred in Dorsetshire, when a town of seafaring people attached fishtales to the backs of the Italians’ robes.

London and Rochester

In 604, Augustine established the episcopal sees of London and Rochester, with Roman monks Mellitus and Justus as their bishops. Augustine helped organize the first Synod of the Church in England, ensuring that the new Christian community adhered to the teachings of the Church of Rome, and established the practices for the English Church to follow.

Unsuccessful Changes

Augustine was unable to convince the bishops in Wales and Cornwall to abandon their Celtic rites and adopt the disciplines and practices of Rome. He invited leading ecclesiastics to meet him at Wessex, known as “Augustine’s Oak,” urging them to follow Roman rites and to cooperate with him in the evangelization of England. However, their fidelity to local customs and resentment against their conquerors made them refuse these changes. A second conference, at which Augustine is said to have failed to rise upon the arrival of the ecclesiastics, drove them further apart.

His Death

Augustine passed away on May 27, 605 in Canterbury, England, due to natural causes. Augustine’s body was originally buried in the portico of what is now St Augustine’s, Canterbury. However, it was later exhumed and placed in a tomb within the abbey church, which became a place of pilgrimage and veneration.

Born:                  Early 6th century in Rome, Italy

Died:                  May 27, 605 in Canterbury, England

Beatified:          Pre-Congregation

Canonized:       Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:        May 27

Patron Saint:    Canterbury, England; England; Missionaries

Source:

• • St. Augustine of Canterbury: Apostle of the English – All Saint Stories
  • May 27 – St Augustine (d. 604/5) – CatholicIreland.net
  • CatholicSaints.Info » Saints of the Day – Augustine (Austin) of Canterbury by Katherine I Rabenstein
  • Saint Augustine of Canterbury – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • Augustine of Canterbury – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

Saint of the Week: St. Augustine of Canterbury – YouTube (The True Enlightenment!)